1970 Ford Capri vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 1970 Ford Capri. (47 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Ford Capri weights approximately 80 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1970 Ford Capri 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 Ford Capri. 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, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Capri | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 890 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
