1963 Honda S500 vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 14 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1963 Honda S500. (43 HP @ 8000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1963 Honda S500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 79 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, 1977 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, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1963 Honda S500. (45 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1963 Honda S500. 1977 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. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 Honda S500 | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S500 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 531 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 43 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 45 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 726 kg | 805 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 |
