1976 Ford Escort vs. 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Escort 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 @ 5000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1976 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Escort weights approximately 65 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Escort. 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 57 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Escort | 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 64 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 117 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 910 kg | 845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4060 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2410 mm |
