1957 Fiat 1200 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Fiat 1200 would be higher. At 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit (62 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1957 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1957 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Fiat 1200 weights approximately 110 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1957 Fiat 1200 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 1200. 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 (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1957 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1957 Fiat 1200.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Fiat 1200 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1200 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1219 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 104 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 920 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |
