1966 Ford Zephyr vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1966 Ford Zephyr. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1966 Ford Zephyr would be higher. At 2,495 cc (6 cylinders), 1966 Ford Zephyr is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1966 Ford Zephyr (105 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1966 Ford Zephyr should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1966 Ford Zephyr weights approximately 505 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1966 Ford Zephyr 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 Ford Zephyr. 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, 1966 Ford Zephyr (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1966 Ford Zephyr will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1966 Ford Zephyr | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Zephyr | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1966 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.6 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1300 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2930 mm | 2410 mm |
