1962 Abarth 750 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1962 Abarth 750. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1962 Abarth 750 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1962 Abarth 750. (43 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1962 Abarth 750. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 270 kg more than 1962 Abarth 750. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1962 Abarth 750 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 1962 Abarth 750. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 1962 Abarth 750. (57 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1962 Abarth 750.
Compare all specifications:
| 1962 Abarth 750 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 750 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1962 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 747 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 61 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1390 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
