1966 Abarth 700 vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Abarth 700. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Abarth 700 would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (72 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1966 Abarth 700. (63 HP @ 7600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1966 Abarth 700. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 275 kg more than 1966 Abarth 700. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Abarth 700 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 1966 Abarth 700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 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, 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1966 Abarth 700. (69 Nm @ 5800 RPM). This means 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1966 Abarth 700. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1966 Abarth 700 has manual transmission. 1966 Abarth 700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Abarth 700 | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 700 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 696 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 63 HP | 72 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 69 Nm | 122 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 570 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3480 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1360 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2010 mm | 2410 mm |
