1973 Fiat 500 vs. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Fiat 500. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Fiat 500 would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 1973 Fiat 500. (18 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1973 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 335 kg more than 1973 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Fiat 500 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 1973 Fiat 500. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1982 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, 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit (116 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Fiat 500. (27 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Fiat 500.
Compare all specifications:
1973 Fiat 500 | 1982 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 500 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1973 | 1982 |
Engine Position | Rear | Front |
Engine Size | 499 cc | 1715 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 18 HP | 64 HP |
Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 27 Nm | 116 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 510 kg | 845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 2980 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 1850 mm | 2410 mm |