1963 Honda S500 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 Honda S500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 Honda S500 would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1963 Honda S500. (43 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1963 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 69 kg more than 1963 Honda S500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1963 Honda S500 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 1963 Honda S500. 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 (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Honda S500. (45 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Honda S500. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1963 Honda S500 has manual transmission. 1963 Honda S500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Honda S500 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S500 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 531 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3310 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
