1948 Allard J1 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Allard J1. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Allard J1 would be higher. At 3,622 cc (8 cylinders), 1948 Allard J1 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1948 Allard J1 (85 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1948 Allard J1 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1948 Allard J1 weights approximately 210 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 1948 Allard J1 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 1948 Allard J1. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1948 Allard J1 (204 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1948 Allard J1 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1948 Allard J1 has manual transmission. 1948 Allard J1 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:
| 1948 Allard J1 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Allard | Volkswagen |
| Model | J1 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1948 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3622 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 204 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1510 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2410 mm |
