1980 Volkswagen Rabbit Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
The big news for 1980 was the addition of a convertible to the Volkswagen Rabbit lineup. The Rabbit Convertible came with a slightly...
The big news for 1980 was the addition of a convertible to the Volkswagen Rabbit lineup. The Rabbit Convertible came with a slightly upgraded engine, a 1.6-liter single-overhead-cam four-cylinder, which generated 76 horsepower. The convertible lost its hatchback (naturally), and instead came with a small trunk. A padded rollbar, located just behind the front seats, was added for structural stability and safety purposes.
Also joining the Rabbit lineup for 1980 was a Rabbit pickup, which was longer than the standard Rabbit (by nearly three feet) and came with either a gas or diesel engine.
Standard power for the Rabbit was 71-horsepower four-cylinder engine installed sideways, so that it minimized the amount of space it required. A 48-horsepower, 1.5-liter diesel was also available. A four-speed manual transmission was standard in the Rabbit, while a four-speed automatic was available as an option. The diesel was available with a five-speed manual.
In addition to the basic Rabbit, the Rabbit Convertible, and the Rabbit pickup truck, the Rabbit was available in a number of other packages, including the Rabbit C, the Rabbit L, and the Rabbit LX. The Rabbit C package was equipped with an AM/FM radio, a color-coordinated interior, reclining front seats, a rear window defogger, and a day/night rearview mirror, while the Rabbit L package added such features as a wood-grained dash, special moldings on the windows and hatch, and a lockable glovebox.
MacPherson struts, large disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and energy-absorbing bumpers were all standard equipment.
Drivers were impressed with the Rabbit's handling, quickness, and gas mileage.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit have fond memories of driving this model, highlighting its fun driving experience and reliability. Many appreciated its sporty feel and fuel efficiency, especially in the convertible version. However, some drivers noted that it lacks power and modern performance enhancements."
First off they don't have the catagory for my car. !980 Rabbit Convertable 2dr sport package. The first year VW made it! awsome all the way. Fun to drive, great on gas, sporty as all get out! Will take a honda crx off the line while the guy girl is staring at you all the way!
September 10, 2008This was my first car which my mom got for me when i was 16. So I owned her from 1986 untill she died on a levee road in Lodi early in a summer morning in 1994 or 1995. I was very sad to see her go away and shed a couple tears
April 23, 2008
