2011 BMW 535 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2011 BMW 535 is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 535 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 535 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 249 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 535 weights approximately 1050 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 535 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 BMW 535 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2011 BMW 535 (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM) has 310 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 535 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 BMW 535 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 535 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1920 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4905 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1859 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1463 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2969 mm | 2410 mm |
