1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo would be higher. At 1,570 cc (4 cylinders), 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo (114 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 110 kg more than 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo.
Because 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo 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 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Alfa Romeo Scarabeo | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Scarabeo | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 700 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3730 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1030 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2160 mm | 2410 mm |
