2012 Lexus LS vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2012 Lexus LS is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 4,600 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Lexus LS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Lexus LS (380 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 308 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus LS should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus LS weights approximately 1178 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Lexus LS 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 2012 Lexus LS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 2012 Lexus LS (497 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 375 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus LS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Lexus LS | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Lexus | Volkswagen |
| Model | LS | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4600 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 380 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 497 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2023 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5179 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1875 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1476 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3091 mm | 2410 mm |
