1970 Fiat 130 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Fiat 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Fiat 130 would be higher. At 2,866 cc (6 cylinders), 1970 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1970 Fiat 130 (139 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (51 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1970 Fiat 130 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Fiat 130 weights approximately 655 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Fiat 130 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 Fiat 130. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Fiat 130 (216 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (96 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1970 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Fiat 130 | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 130 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2866 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
