1959 Fiat 1800 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1959 Fiat 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1959 Fiat 1800 would be higher. At 1,796 cc (6 cylinders), 1959 Fiat 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1959 Fiat 1800 (75 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1959 Fiat 1800 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1959 Fiat 1800 weights approximately 405 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1959 Fiat 1800 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 1800. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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, 1959 Fiat 1800 (127 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1959 Fiat 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1959 Fiat 1800 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 1800 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1959 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 75 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 127 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |