1979 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, both 1979 Ford Escort and 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit were released in the same year (1979). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 1,455 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1979 Ford Escort. (45 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Escort weights approximately 65 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 1979 Ford Escort 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 Escort. 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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Escort. (60 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Escort | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 939 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 45 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 60 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 875 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3980 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
