1974 Ford Capri vs. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,715 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit (64 HP) has 10 more horse power than 1974 Ford Capri. (54 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1974 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Capri weights approximately 140 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1974 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 1974 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit (117 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 64 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
