1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1981 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Ford Fiesta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Fiesta (83 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Fiesta should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 5 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
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, 1981 Ford Fiesta (126 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (111 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Fiesta 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:
1981 Ford Fiesta | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Fiesta | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1981 | 1976 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1588 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 83 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
Torque | 126 Nm | 111 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3300 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 80 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 805 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |