1957 Fiat 1100 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1100 would be higher. At 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1100. (49 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1100. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 5 kg more than 1957 Fiat 1100. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Fiat 1100 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 1957 Fiat 1100. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1100. (73 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1100. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1957 Fiat 1100 has manual transmission. 1957 Fiat 1100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 1100 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1100 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1089 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 73 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1480 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2410 mm |
