1970 AC 428 vs. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 AC 428. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 AC 428 would be higher. At 7,003 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 AC 428 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 AC 428 (298 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. (64 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 AC 428 should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 AC 428 weights approximately 585 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 AC 428 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 1970 AC 428. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1970 AC 428 (640 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 523 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit. (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 AC 428 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 AC 428 | 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | AC | Volkswagen |
| Model | 428 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7003 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 298 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 640 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2410 mm |
