1968 Opel Olympia vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Opel Olympia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Opel Olympia would be higher. At 1,469 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1968 Opel Olympia (59 HP) has 12 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (47 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1968 Opel Olympia should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 90 kg more than 1968 Opel Olympia.
Because 1968 Opel Olympia 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 Opel Olympia. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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 Opel Olympia (86 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1968 Opel Olympia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1968 Opel Olympia has manual transmission. 1968 Opel Olympia will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Opel Olympia | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Olympia | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1078 cc | 1469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 47 HP |
| Torque | 86 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 61 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 780 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2410 mm |
