2012 Toyota Hilux vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2012 Toyota Hilux 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 2,493 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Toyota Hilux is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Toyota Hilux (101 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Hilux should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Toyota Hilux weights approximately 839 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 Toyota Hilux is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Toyota Hilux 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 Toyota Hilux (260 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Toyota Hilux will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2012 Toyota Hilux has manual transmission. 2012 Toyota Hilux will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Toyota Hilux | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Hilux | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2493 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1684 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5140 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1800 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3090 mm | 2410 mm |
