1975 Ford Escort vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Ford Escort would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1975 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1975 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1975 Ford Escort weights approximately 70 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1975 Ford Escort 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 Ford Escort. 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, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Ford Escort. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1975 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1975 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1975 Ford Escort | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1975 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
