2011 Ford E-250 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2011 Ford E-250 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford E-250 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford E-250 (225 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 161 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford E-250 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford E-250 weights approximately 1565 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Ford E-250 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2011 Ford E-250. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford E-250 (387 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 270 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford E-250 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford E-250 | 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | E-250 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 387 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Flex Fuel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2410 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5504 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2017 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2154 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3505 mm | 2410 mm |
