1955 Fiat 600 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1955 Fiat 600. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1955 Fiat 600 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (51 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1955 Fiat 600. (22 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1955 Fiat 600. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 170 kg more than 1955 Fiat 600. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1955 Fiat 600 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 600. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1955 Fiat 600. (39 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1955 Fiat 600.
Compare all specifications:
| 1955 Fiat 600 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 600 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1955 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 633 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 22 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 39 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1450 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
