1958 Ford Zodiac vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Ford Zodiac. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Ford Zodiac would be higher. At 2,550 cc (6 cylinders), 1958 Ford Zodiac is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1958 Ford Zodiac (76 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1958 Ford Zodiac should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1958 Ford Zodiac weights approximately 347 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 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 1958 Ford Zodiac. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1958 Ford Zodiac (187 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1958 Ford Zodiac will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Ford Zodiac | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zodiac | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2550 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 76 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1192 kg | 845 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 |
