1949 Morris Minor vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1949 Morris Minor. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1949 Morris Minor would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1949 Morris Minor. (27 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1949 Morris Minor. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 15 kg more than 1949 Morris Minor. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1949 Morris Minor is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1949 Morris Minor. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1949 Morris Minor. (53 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1949 Morris Minor.
Compare all specifications:
| 1949 Morris Minor | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Morris | Volkswagen |
| Model | Minor | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1949 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 916 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 27 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 53 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 790 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1530 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2190 mm | 2410 mm |
