1971 Chevrolet Vega vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Chevrolet Vega. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Chevrolet Vega would be higher. At 2,287 cc (4 cylinders), 1971 Chevrolet Vega is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Chevrolet Vega (81 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Chevrolet Vega should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Chevrolet Vega weights approximately 200 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 1971 Chevrolet Vega 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 1971 Chevrolet Vega. 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, 1971 Chevrolet Vega (167 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1971 Chevrolet Vega will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Chevrolet Vega | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vega | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2287 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 167 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.9 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1005 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2410 mm |
