2012 Subaru Impreza vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2012 Subaru Impreza is newer by 32 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), 2012 Subaru Impreza is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Impreza (305 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 243 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Impreza should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Impreza weights approximately 725 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 2012 Subaru Impreza 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, 2012 Subaru Impreza 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, 2012 Subaru Impreza (393 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 289 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Impreza will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2012 Subaru Impreza has manual transmission. 2012 Subaru Impreza will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Subaru Impreza | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Impreza | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 393 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1796 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1471 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2624 mm | 2410 mm |
