1958 Citroen 2CV vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Citroen 2CV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Citroen 2CV would be higher. At 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1958 Citroen 2CV. (10 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1958 Citroen 2CV. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 315 kg more than 1958 Citroen 2CV. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Citroen 2CV. (22 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Citroen 2CV. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1958 Citroen 2CV has manual transmission. 1958 Citroen 2CV will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Citroen 2CV | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Citroen | Volkswagen |
| Model | 2CV | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 375 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 10 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 22 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 62 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 495 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3790 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
