1968 Mazda R-100 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 Mazda R-100. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Mazda R-100 would be higher. At 1,963 cc, 1968 Mazda R-100 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Mazda R-100 (110 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Mazda R-100 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 5 kg more than 1968 Mazda R-100.
Because 1968 Mazda R-100 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 Mazda R-100. 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 Mazda R-100 (135 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1968 Mazda R-100 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1968 Mazda R-100 has manual transmission. 1968 Mazda R-100 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Mazda R-100 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | R-100 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1963 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 805 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3840 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
