1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, both 1976 Ford Taunus and 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit were released in the same year (1976). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Taunus (96 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Taunus should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 265 kg more than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1976 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 Ford Taunus (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Taunus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 152 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.8 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
