1972 Plymouth Barracuda vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Plymouth Barracuda (110 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1972 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 605 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Plymouth Barracuda 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 1972 Plymouth Barracuda. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1977 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, 1972 Plymouth Barracuda (251 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Plymouth Barracuda | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barracuda | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1972 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 110 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 104.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1410 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2410 mm |
