1976 Volkswagen Rabbit vs. 2001 Smart ForFour
To start off, 2001 Smart ForFour is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Smart ForFour (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Smart ForFour should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Smart ForFour weights approximately 170 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Rabbit (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Smart ForFour. (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Smart ForFour. 2001 Smart ForFour has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Smart ForFour will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | 2001 Smart ForFour | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Smart |
| Model | Rabbit | ForFour |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1471 cc | 1124 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79.6 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.4 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 795 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2510 mm |
