1974 Holden Statesman vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Holden Statesman. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Holden Statesman would be higher. At 5,042 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Holden Statesman is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Holden Statesman (238 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Holden Statesman should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Holden Statesman weights approximately 725 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Holden Statesman 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 Holden Statesman. 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, 1974 Holden Statesman (427 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 325 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1974 Holden Statesman will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1974 Holden Statesman has manual transmission. 1974 Holden Statesman will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Holden Statesman | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Statesman | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5042 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5190 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2410 mm |
