1968 Ford 17 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,550 cc (6 cylinders), 1968 Ford 17 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Ford 17 (123 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Ford 17 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford 17 weights approximately 330 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford 17 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 1968 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1968 Ford 17 (201 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Ford 17 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1968 Ford 17 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | 17 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2550 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 123 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 201 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2410 mm |