1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
For 1981, the Volkswagen Rabbit received a boost in power, for both its gas and its diesel engines. The Rabbit's standard powerplant was a...
For 1981, the Volkswagen Rabbit received a boost in power, for both its gas and its diesel engines. The Rabbit's standard powerplant was a new four cylinder, 1.7-liter single-overhead-cam gas engine that generated 74 horsepower, up from 71 hp the previous year. A new 1.6-liter diesel engine, which was available as an option, generated 52 horsepower, up from 48 hp.
The Rabbit's exterior also received some minor restyling, with the addition of wrap-around turn signals added to the Rabbit's square front headlights. The taillights were redesigned as well.
As in previous years, the Rabbit was available as either a two-door or four-door hatchback, with a number of trim packages available, including the Rabbit L, the Rabbit LX pickup, and the Rabbit convertible. MacPherson struts, large disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and energy-absorbing bumpers were all standard equipment. Other standard features and options included an AM/FM radio, color-coordinated interiors, reclining front seats, a rear window defogger, a wood-grained dash, and air conditioning.
Drivers were generally very positive in their reviews of the 1981 Rabbit, with many praising the Rabbit's reliability, quickness, gas mileage, and durability. Some noted that their Rabbits were still running even though the odometers were showing several hundred thousand miles.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit appreciate its fun driving experience and impressive gas mileage. Many enjoy the classic styling and solid German build quality, making it an enjoyable car for both city and winter driving. However, some drivers mention that the car lacks acceleration, especially with multiple passengers, and the interior may require some maintenance work."
This is a great car. Its 74 hp engine feels as if it's got much more power. The German build quality is solid; after all these years, there are only minor squeaks. It's very fun to drive, especially with the radio on and top down. The Giugiaro styling catches your eye again and again. I recommend this car to anyone!
August 5, 2008I love my car. Great mileage, super fun, great VW community. Rabbits started the "hot hatch" car building...and are totally worth the time and energy to build, even as a 30 year old car! They're great for swapping and slamming. MK1s rock!
September 4, 2010Hmmm.... I've been a VW owner for most of my life; I think it's somehow gotten into my DNA. So while this car is not really everyone's cup of tea, this rally-setup vehicle brings me nothing but smiles!!! I swapped it over to a manual transmission and am running a custom suspension setup around Bilstein Off Road HD shocks. Custom springs and stich welded reinforcements through out unibody. This car isn't fast, but it handles rough surfaces with easy and is both forgiving and quite nimble through the turns.
December 5, 2009What owners say
This is a great car. Its 74 hp engine feels as if it's got much more power. The German build quality is solid; after all these years, there are only minor squeaks. It's very fun to drive, especially with the radio on and top down. The Giugiaro styling catches your eye again and again. I recommend this car to anyone!
August 5, 2008I love my car. Great mileage, super fun, great VW community. Rabbits started the "hot hatch" car building...and are totally worth the time and energy to build, even as a 30 year old car! They're great for swapping and slamming. MK1s rock!
September 4, 2010Hmmm.... I've been a VW owner for most of my life; I think it's somehow gotten into my DNA. So while this car is not really everyone's cup of tea, this rally-setup vehicle brings me nothing but smiles!!! I swapped it over to a manual transmission and am running a custom suspension setup around Bilstein Off Road HD shocks. Custom springs and stich welded reinforcements through out unibody. This car isn't fast, but it handles rough surfaces with easy and is both forgiving and quite nimble through the turns.
December 5, 2009The car is fun to drive just because it is so light, but once you get more than one person in there, you can feel the car slow up. Looks fantastic, gets great mileage, and performs pretty good for being rebuilt fully stock.
June 25, 2009It was a fun little diesel
March 26, 2008love it its a 1.6 diesel that rolls coal. i get 63 mpg with the pump down and 42 with it now. i gettin ready to put a 33 ml turbo on it and lower it 2 in. its really fun to drive. this pic was taken at the walmart, in one of the shoppin kart corrals.
October 21, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $7,190 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $7,165 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $7,610 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $7,375 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $11,280 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $6,290 | Seating 4 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
