1983 Ford Escort vs. 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1983 Ford Escort is newer by 6 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Escort (70 HP) has 23 more horse power than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (47 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Escort weights approximately 80 kg more than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. 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, 1983 Ford Escort (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Ford Escort | 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1977 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1469 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 70 HP | 47 HP |
| Torque | 121 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.7 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 950 kg | 870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4170 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
