2012 Nissan Cube vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2012 Nissan Cube 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 1,800 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Cube is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Cube (122 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Cube should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Cube weights approximately 456 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.
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, 2012 Nissan Cube (172 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Cube will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Nissan Cube | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cube | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1800 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 122 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | CVT | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1301 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4001 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1694 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1651 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
