1979 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1979 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 257 kg more than 1979 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Capri 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 1979 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Capri. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Capri will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Capri | 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
