1969 Abarth 1300 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Abarth 1300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Abarth 1300 would be higher. At 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Abarth 1300 (123 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1969 Abarth 1300 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 174 kg more than 1969 Abarth 1300.
Because 1969 Abarth 1300 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 1969 Abarth 1300. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 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, 1969 Abarth 1300 (130 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1969 Abarth 1300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1969 Abarth 1300 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Abarth | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1300 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1969 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 1280 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 130 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 636 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3560 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1140 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2100 mm | 2410 mm |
