1984 Ford Fiesta vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1984 Ford Fiesta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. 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 2 more horse power than 1984 Ford Fiesta. (68 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1984 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 10 kg more than 1984 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, 1984 Ford Fiesta (103 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1984 Ford Fiesta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1984 Ford Fiesta has manual transmission. 1984 Ford Fiesta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 Ford Fiesta | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1296 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 68 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 103 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2410 mm |
