1979 Ford Fiesta vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1979 Ford Fiesta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 90 kg more than 1979 Ford Fiesta. 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, 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Fiesta. (65 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Fiesta | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 957 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 111 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2410 mm |
