1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire would be higher. At 3,435 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire (125 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 1035 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 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire 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 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire. 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, 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire (247 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 137 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sapphire | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3435 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 247 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1830 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5390 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3380 mm | 2410 mm |
