1957 Ford Consul vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Consul. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Consul would be higher. At 1,701 cc (4 cylinders), 1957 Ford Consul is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1957 Ford Consul. (51 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1957 Ford Consul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford Consul weights approximately 275 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1957 Ford Consul 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 Ford Consul. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1957 Ford Consul (127 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1957 Ford Consul will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Consul | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Consul | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1701 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 51 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2410 mm |
