Last Updated on February 2, 2023 by Leepu Da Maxim
The VW Golf and Rabbit are not significantly different. Actually, you can say that the VW Rabbit is a ‘type’ of VW Golf. They are the same car, but they have many nameplates. Around the world, VW Golf keeps its name. But in the USA and Canada, we know the VW Golf as the VW Rabbit.
Key Takeaways
- The name Rabbit was used by Volkswagen for the vehicle “VW Golf” in the North American market from 1975 to 1984
- Volkswagen used the name Rabbit to attract the US customers as rabbits are typically seen as cute and friendly
- Volkswagen did not ‘stop’ the Rabbit car, they dropped the “Rabbit” name and began selling the car in North America as the Volkswagen Golf
THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF (MK 8), Courtesy: ALEXANDER MIGL
THE VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT (MK 5), COURTESY: M93
You can see that the cars are pretty similar, except for some slight modifications.
Now, keep reading for more answers and explanations.
Is The VW Rabbit The Same As A VW Golf?
Yes, it is. But the 2019 VW Rabbit model has its differences. It comes with the underpinnings of the GTI. Those underpinnings include:
1. A turbo engine
2. Heavier brakes
3. Sports suspension
4. Sports seats
The official name of the 2019 model is the Volkswagen Golf GTI Rabbit Edition.
CarsAmazing 101:
Volkswagen sold the Golf Mk1 as the Volkswagen Rabbit in Canada and the United States. But in Mexico, they sold it as the Volkswagen Caribe.
Is The VW Rabbit Discontinued?
VW did not ‘stop’ the Rabbit car. Instead, what Volkswagen did was drop the name, but they brought it back in 2019.
They may have dropped it because of marketing reasons. When the American VW plant closed in the 80s, VW gave Canadians and Americans the VW Golf. But before that, it was all Rabbit.
About The 2019 VW Golf GTI Rabbit Edition
So, VW brought the Rabbit back in 2019. But what’s in it for car lovers and motorists? Well, here’s a table showing its specs:
| 2019 VW GTI Rabbit Edition | |
| Engine | Turbo, 2.0 liter I4 |
| Output | 258 pound-feet or 228 Horsepower |
| Transmission | Seven-speed Dual Clutch |
| Drive Type | FWD (Front-Wheel Drive) |
| Speed from 0 to 60 mph | About 6 seconds |
| Max. Speed | 154 mph |
| Weight | Around 3000 pounds |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
Where The Volkswagen Mk 1 Came From
In this section, you’ll get to know how we came down to the VW Rabbit. And where do we start?
Well, lo-and-behold, the VW Beetle!
THE VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE, COURTESY: Lothar Spurzem
VW first sold the Beetle in 1945, whose design dates back before World War I. But in the 1970s, VW Beetle sales fell hard. Since car design was changing, Volkswagen needed a new product.
So, they designed the Volkswagen Golf Mk 1. It had a hatchback which was front-engine, water-cooled, and of front-wheel-drive style. It came out looking this way:
THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MK1, COURTESY: KAZUYANAGAE
Believe it or not, the car has set a precedent for modern-day automotive design. If you look at the VW Beetle, you see why this was such a big jump.
Explaining The VW Golf
Some people say that the word ‘Golf’ comes from ‘Golfstrom,’ which is German for gulf stream. That fits in perfectly with other names that VW has used for its cars like:
1. Scirocco – the Mediterranean hot wind
2. Jetta – ‘jet stream’ in German
But although Golf was the name in Germany, the US and Canada got it as Rabbit.
Why Was The Volkswagen Golf Renamed The Rabbit In The US?
The Golf became the Rabbit because VW had made the car to be quick and small. Since VW was targeting the younger market, Golf would have sounded too high class.
From Rabbit To The MK2 Golf
It wasn’t until 1983 that VW replaced the Rabbit. In its place, they introduced a wider, longer MK2 Golf. Earlier in 1980, VW made the following facelifts:
1. Larger rear lamps
2. Square headlights (US)
3. New bumpers
All the changes made from 1979 helped VW to stay in the market. Datsun (Nissan) and Toyota were also doing excellent jobs with their vehicles.
THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MK2, COURTESY: RUDOLF STRICKER
What Is The Difference Between GTI And Rabbit?
The GTI is an improvement for the Rabbit (or Golf). Since Volkswagen makes it for performance, it has more powerful specs.
Look at this 2021 Golf 8 GTI Clubsport for a second:
THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF MK2, COURTESY: THOMAS DOERFER
Here’s what you’ll enjoy with the VW GTI:
1. A thrilling power train
2. Adaptive suspension
3. Nice seats
Compared to the VW GTI, the 2009 Rabbit is a little far behind:
1. It doesn’t have as much fuel economy, both in the city or on the highway.
2. Its torque is not as powerful (177 pounds per foot).
So, the GTI is better than the Rabbit.
What Does The GTI Mean On A Volkswagen?
For some Italian models, GTI is Gran Turismo Iniezione. But, when Volkswagen uses it, it mostly means Grand Touring Injection.
What Does Grand Touring Injection Mean?
GTI is a technology that VW uses to make its cars achieve powerful long-distance journeys. And GTI engineers don’t sacrifice comfort and performance to attain powered trips.
CarsAmazing 101:
VW first deployed the GTI in its 1976 Golf.
This day, the most powerful vehicle is the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI.
THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF GTI TCR, 2019 MODEL: karlis dambrans
How Much Do GTI Volkswagens Cost
Time for a table!
| 2019 Trim Levels | Price ($. MSRP) |
| Golf GTI S | 27,595 |
| Golf GTI Rabbit Edition | 28,895 |
| Golf GTI SE | 31,795 |
| Golf Autobahn | 35,995 |
So, if you’re looking to get these models, prepare to pay as much.
Conclusion
So, there’s no difference between the VW Golf and the VW Rabbit. They’re birds of the same feather. Car companies experiment with names for the sake of brand recognition. And that’s what Volkswagen was doing.
Also, the line between GTI, Rabbit, and Golf is subtle. You’ll only see the differences if you pay attention to these specs:
1. Fuel economy
2. Number of cylinders
Engine power
Cargo volume
Maximum payload
If you enjoyed that article, I’m sure you’ll love these:
1. German Car Brands – Volkswagen and friends
2. The Most Reliable Engines Ever Made -The Volkswagen Flat 4 makes this list
3. Famous Car Quotes and Sayings) – ‘Be Different’ – Volkswagen Beetle
References:
https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/compare/Volkswagen-Golf-vs-Volkswagen-Rabbit_d198_d839
https://www.edmunds.com/car-comparisons/volkswagen-rabbit-vs-volkswagen-golf/
Hi, I’m Leepu Da Maxim, a dedicated car enthusiast with over 10 years of experience in this field, and I’m thrilled to share my passion and expertise with fellow car enthusiasts like you. My journey began in my hometown West Jordan, Utah, where my fascination with the mechanics and design of cars sparked at a young age. Over the years, this passion has evolved into a commitment to providing accurate, insightful, and engaging information about all things automotive through CarsAmazing.