1975 Fiat 130 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Fiat 130. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Fiat 130 would be higher. At 3,235 cc (6 cylinders), 1975 Fiat 130 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1975 Fiat 130 (165 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1975 Fiat 130 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Fiat 130 weights approximately 185 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 1975 Fiat 130 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 1975 Fiat 130. 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, 1975 Fiat 130 (249 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 147 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1975 Fiat 130 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1975 Fiat 130 has manual transmission. 1975 Fiat 130 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:
| 1975 Fiat 130 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 130 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3235 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 165 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2410 mm |
