2011 Mazda 6 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2011 Mazda 6 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 6 (170 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 6 weights approximately 674 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Mazda 6 (226 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Mazda 6 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | 6 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1484 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1839 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2789 mm | 2410 mm |
