1968 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1968 Ford Escort. (54 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Ford Escort weights approximately 15 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford Escort. (82 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford Escort. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1968 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1968 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford Escort | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1117 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 82 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 810 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
