1955 Fiat 1400 vs. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Fiat 1400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Fiat 1400 would be higher. At 1,901 cc (4 cylinders), 1955 Fiat 1400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1955 Fiat 1400. (38 HP @ 3200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1955 Fiat 1400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1955 Fiat 1400 weights approximately 393 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1955 Fiat 1400 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 Fiat 1400. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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 Fiat 1400 (134 Nm) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm). This means 1955 Fiat 1400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1955 Fiat 1400 has manual transmission. 1955 Fiat 1400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fiat 1400 | 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1400 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1901 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 134 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1188 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1540 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
