1958 Abarth 1000 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Abarth 1000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Abarth 1000 would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Abarth 1000 (87 HP @ 8000 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Abarth 1000 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 165 kg more than 1958 Abarth 1000.
Because 1958 Abarth 1000 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 1958 Abarth 1000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Abarth 1000. (96 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Abarth 1000. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1958 Abarth 1000 has manual transmission. 1958 Abarth 1000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Abarth 1000 | 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1000 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 996 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 87 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 680 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3700 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2410 mm |
