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 Mechanical Specifications

Standard features:

• Front-wheel drive

• SOHC, transverse-mounted engine using Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection (see table below for more specifics)

• Manual 5-speed transmission

• Dual-tone horn

• GTI suspension (front: independent MacPherson struts with coil springs and shock absorbers; rear: independent stabilizer axle with trailing arms, coil springs and shock absorbers)

• 9.4" front disc brakes; 7.1" rear drum brakes

• Rack & pinion steering

• 10.6 gallon fuel tank for 1980-1984; 13.8 gallon fuel tank for 1984.5 onward (this also added an in-tank fuel pump in addition to the exterior fuel pump)

• 55amp alternator for 1980-1982 (bumped up to 65amp alternator if A/C was installed; 65amp alternator from 1983 onward)

• Up-shift light on manual transmission models for 1982 onward

• Oxygen sensor counter box & warning light

• Rear badge on left says "Volkswagen"; rear badge on right says "Rabbit Fuel Injection" with hopping bunny logo (deluxe models have an "L" or "C" on right side of this badge)

• Single-round, black radiator grille with bright aluminum trim

• Lockable gas cap

• Operating vent/"quarter" windows

• Steel wheels with chrome trim and center caps

• Chrome bumpers up to 1981, bright aluminum bumpers from 1982 onward (bumper guards, or over-riders, added for 1983-1984); bumpers come with black rubber or plastic rub strips and smooth (1980-1982) or molded (1983-1984) bumper ends; bumpers are installed utilizing shock-absorbing brackets

• Full-size spare wheel/tire up to 1984 (wheel matches those on the car); "donut" spare (black steel wheel) for 1984.5 onward

• Smooth vinyl, 3-layer top with electrically-defrosted glass rear window; top folds down farther for 1982+ models to increase rear-ward visibility; vinyl top boot (cover)

• Black, textured plastic mirror housings

• Black, textured plastic stone guards at rear wheel openings for 1980-1983; black, textured plastic fender flare "extensions" added to all fender flares for 1984 onward

• Black door handles with bright aluminum inserts

• Black side trim with chrome inserts; chrome windshield moulding; chrome rocker panel trim; chrome side window moulding

• Deluxe model alloy wheels offered as upgrades to base models

Standard features:

• Targa-style rollbar

• Removable, carpeted parcel shelf behind rear seat

• AM/FM stereo cassette radio with two 4x6" front speakers for 1980-1981; two 4x6" front speakers and two 3.5" rear speakers for 1982-1984

• Center console with "cubby-hole" and VDO gauges: oil pressure (clock for Canada), oil temperature, volts

• Padded steering wheel: Rabbit hatchback Deluxe-style for 1980-1981; GTI sport style for 1982 onward; Scirocco sport steering wheel for Deluxe models and optional for base models (1980)

• Remote-operated outside mirrors

• Swivel sun visors; vanity mirror in passenger sun visor

• Light in luggage compartment for 1982 onward

• Intermittent windshield wiping system

• Leatherette upholstery (1980-1983)

• Carpet trim on lower front door panels

• Cigarette lighter & ashtray

• Inside hood release

• Fresh air and heater control (3-speed fan for 1980-1982; 4-speed fan for 1983 onward)

• Courtesy light with switch

• Fully carpeted floor with carpeted floor mats; rubber-backed carpet for luggage compartment

• Reclining front bucket seats with individual, adjustable headrests; rear seatback folds forward for additional cargo space

• 1980: Rabbit hatchback Deluxe-style dash with two, separate round, woodgrain-trimmed instrument clusters (see example below) with resettable trip odometer, coolant temperature gauge, and digital clock; also has lockable and illuminated glove box (black dash & center console is standard, brown installed with brown interiors); kneebar is similar to Rabbit hatchback

• 1981+: "Cabby dash" installed and kneebar re-designed; instrument clusters are more square and are contained in a single unit; dash still contains resettable trip odometer, coolant temperature gauge and digital clock as well as various warning lights; brown dash, console and kneebar installed with brown/beige interiors

• Solid rear seat and seatback for 1980-1982; "split" rear seat and seatback for 1983 onward

• "L" models: sport (Scirocco) steering wheel, sport bucket seats

• Models without factory-installed A/C came with ashtrays in the dash, below the HVAC controls; models sold with factory-installed A/C came equipped with center vents in the dash (below the HVAC controls) and the ashtray was moved to the kneebar, above the center console

 Optional Equipment (as listed in brochures)

• Approximately 300 pounds heavier than the Rabbit hatchback

The Fine Print

Please do not email the site administrator with personal questions to mechanical-related problems (they will not be answered); instead, please use one or all of the car forums listed on the links page.  Thank you.

The information contained in this site is for entertainment and informational purposes only.  The site creator is not responsible for you, your car, your errors, or your economic losses resulting from your use of this information.  Additionally, this site and its content are not affiliated with Volkswagen of America nor Volkswagen AG.

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