1976 Dodge Aspen vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,685 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Dodge Aspen (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Dodge Aspen should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 680 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Dodge Aspen 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 1976 Dodge Aspen. 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, 1976 Dodge Aspen (244 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1976 Dodge Aspen will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1976 Dodge Aspen has manual transmission. 1976 Dodge Aspen 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:
| 1976 Dodge Aspen | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aspen | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3685 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1485 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5200 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2410 mm |
