1970 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1970 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 577 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 De Tomaso Pantera 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 De Tomaso Pantera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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 De Tomaso Pantera (491 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 380 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1970 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1970 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1970 De Tomaso Pantera 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:
| 1970 De Tomaso Pantera | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pantera | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 491 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1382 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
