1959 Fiat 1200 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1200. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1200 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 13 more horse power than 1959 Fiat 1200. (57 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1959 Fiat 1200. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1200 weights approximately 95 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1959 Fiat 1200 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 1959 Fiat 1200. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1959 Fiat 1200. (83 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1959 Fiat 1200. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1959 Fiat 1200 has manual transmission. 1959 Fiat 1200 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:
1959 Fiat 1200 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 1200 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1959 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1220 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 57 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 83 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 905 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |