Specifications

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The original online guide to the Volkswagen Cabriolet & Rabbit Convertible!

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Specifications

Last update:

January 4, 2012

Notes

DIY Guides & Tips

Torque Specs

Mechanical Specifications

Engine Specifications

Transmission Specifications

Speed Specifications

Structural Specifications

Chassis Dimensions

Body Dimensions

Year

Exterior

Interior

Drag Coefficient

1980-1984

(North America)

Length: 155.3 inches, 159.3 ('84)

Width: 63.4 inches

Height: 55.5 inches

Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

Ground clearance: 4.8 inches

Turn radius: 31.2 ft., curb to curb

Front head room: 37.4 inches

Front leg room: 39.4 inches

Trunk capacity: 6.5 cubic feet

Max. seating capacity: 4

Drag (CD): 0.49

Frontal area A[m2]: 1.86

CDA: 0.91

1984.5-1985

(North America)

Length: 159.3 inches

Width: 64.2 inches

Height: 55.6 inches

Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

Ground clearance: 4.9 inches

Turn radius: 31.2 ft., curb to curb

Front head room: 37.4 inches

Front leg room: 39.4 inches

Trunk capacity: 6.5 cubic feet

Max. seating capacity: 4

Drag (CD): 0.49

Frontal area A[m2]: 1.86

CDA: 0.91

1986-1987

(North America)

Length: 151.3 inches

Width: 64.2 inches

Height: 55.6 inches

Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

Ground clearance: 4.9 inches

Turn radius: 31.2 ft., curb to curb

Front head room: 37.4 inches

Front leg room: 39.4 inches

Trunk capacity: 6.5 cubic feet

Max. seating capacity: 4

Drag (CD): 0.49

Frontal area A[m2]: 1.86

CDA: 0.91

1988-1993

(Worldwide)

Length: 153.1 inches

Width: 64.6 inches

Height: 55.6 inches

Wheelbase: 94.5 inches

Ground clearance: 4.9 inches

Turn radius: 31.2 ft., curb to curb

Front head room: 37.4 inches

Front leg room: 39.4 inches

Trunk capacity: 6.5 cubic feet

Max. seating capacity: 4

Drag (CD): 0.46

Frontal area A[m2]: 1.86

CDA: 0.89

Weight Specifications

1980-1984 (North America)

With A/C and manual trans: 2,236 - 2,276 pounds

1984.5-1985 (North America)

With A/C and manual trans: 2,276 pounds

1986-1987 (North America)

With A/C and manual trans: 2,254 pounds

1988-1993 (Worldwide)

With A/C and manual trans: 2,330 pounds

Engine

8V: 120 pounds
16V: 160 pounds

Transmission

020: 75 pounds

Seats

Front bucket seat: 35 pounds
Front sport bucket with height adjust: 37 pounds
Rear seat: ?

Body Parts

North American alumunim bumper (solid brackets): 22 pounds
North American bumper over-rider: 5 pounds
Clipper kit front bumper: 41 pounds
Clipper kit rear bumper: 46 pounds
Clipper kit side skirts (pair): 5.5 pounds
Clipper kit fender flares (set): 5 pounds
Convertible top & frame: ?

Full Tank of Fuel

10.6 gallons: 67 pounds
13.8 gallons: 87 pounds

For comparison purposes: Original Euro, no frills GTI hard-top weighed 1850 lbs.; USA no frills GTI weighed 2011 lbs.

Towing Specifications

Flat-towing Your Cabriolet

Transmission must be in neutral
Do not exceed:

Manual transmission: 50mph, or exceed 50 miles in towing distance
Auto transmission: 30mph, or exceed 30 miles in towing distance

Tow bars may damage Cabriolets with the Clipper kit
Be wary of the locking steering column

If towing long-distance or if the limits must be exceeded, use a tow dolly or flatbed, especially if the car has an automatic transmission. Failure to do so could result in damage to the automatic transmission.

Towing Your Cabriolet on a Tow Dolly

Front wheels must be on the dolly (do not tow the car backwards!)
Transmission should be in neutral

Towing with Your Cabriolet

Volkswagen recommends that you not use your Cabriolet as a tow vehicle. If you must use your Cabriolet as a tow vehicle, Volkwagen stipulates the following: