1952 Austin A vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1952 Austin A. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1952 Austin A would be higher. At 3,992 cc (6 cylinders), 1952 Austin A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1952 Austin A (124 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1952 Austin A should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1952 Austin A weights approximately 1170 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1952 Austin A 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 1952 Austin A. 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, 1952 Austin A (288 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 177 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1952 Austin A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1952 Austin A | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1952 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3992 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 288 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 111.1 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1975 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2410 mm |
