1980 Honda Civic vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1980 Honda Civic is newer by 4 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 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1980 Honda Civic. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 10 kg more than 1980 Honda Civic. 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, 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Civic. (93 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Civic. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1980 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1980 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Civic | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1335 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3770 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2410 mm |
