1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 24 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 2,290 cc (6 cylinders), 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire (118 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire weights approximately 840 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 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 (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Armstrong Siddeley Sapphire | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Armstrong Siddeley | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sapphire | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2290 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 189 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1650 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
