1977 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 1 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 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider (89 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 175 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 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider 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 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider. 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, 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider (121 Nm) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm). This means 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Volkswagen |
| Model | Spider | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1289 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2410 mm |
