vw diesel rabbit issues
Hard to start when cold.
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1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
Write a reviewUser rating:
by John H
Oct 21, 2010
love 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.Oct 21, 2010
by Samantha P
Sep 04, 2010
I 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!Sep 04, 2010
by Verna V
Dec 05, 2009
Hmmm.... 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. Dec 05, 2009
User rating:
by John H
Oct 21, 2010
love 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.Oct 21, 2010
by Samantha P
Sep 04, 2010
I 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!Sep 04, 2010
by Verna V
Dec 05, 2009
Hmmm.... 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. Dec 05, 2009
by Garrett B
Jun 25, 2009
The 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.Jun 25, 2009
by Tyler L
Aug 05, 2008
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!Aug 05, 2008
by Naomi E
Mar 26, 2008
It was a fun little dieselMar 26, 2008
What users have asked
water leak
Water leaks through cab vents behind seats.Window is sealed,where is it comeing from? Its my 1981 rabbit pick up.
123 views
clutch and brake petal pivot pin keeper,is it a C clip
the pivot pin for the clutch and brake petal came loose and the clutch petal fell on the floors got it put back but i don't know what keeps the pivot pin in place. is there a C clip that goes on the end of the shaft or pivot pin? this is on a 1981 rabbit diesel pu manual trans. 5 spd.
26 views
What is causing my car to shut off when I'm driving?
My 81 VW Rabbit will start and run all day but when I drive it, it only drives for about half hour and then shuts off. And then when I tow it back home it will start right up but then only drives for another half hour and does the same thing.
233 views
how much does it weigh
could you tell me how much a volkswagon rabbit from the year 1981 would weigh?
1645 views
Top Comparisons
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1981 Volkswagen Rabbit Pricing
Original MSRP
$6,015 to $10,200Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
