1957 Ford Zodiac vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1957 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1957 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,552 cc (6 cylinders), 1957 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1957 Ford Zodiac (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1957 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1957 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 384 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1957 Ford Zodiac 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 Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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 Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1957 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1957 Ford Zodiac | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1957 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2552 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1194 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1590 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2410 mm |
