1977 Fiat 132 vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Fiat 132. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Fiat 132 would be higher. At 2,445 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Fiat 132 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Fiat 132 (71 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1977 Fiat 132 should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Fiat 132 weights approximately 420 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1977 Fiat 132 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 Fiat 132. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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 Fiat 132 (148 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1977 Fiat 132 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1977 Fiat 132 has manual transmission. 1977 Fiat 132 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1977 Fiat 132 | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
Model | 132 | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1977 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2445 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 71 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 148 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2410 mm |