1985 Caterham 1700 vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1985 Caterham 1700 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,692 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Caterham 1700 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Caterham 1700 (135 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Caterham 1700 should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 267 kg more than 1985 Caterham 1700.
Because 1985 Caterham 1700 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1985 Caterham 1700. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1985 Caterham 1700 (165 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1985 Caterham 1700 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1985 Caterham 1700 has manual transmission. 1985 Caterham 1700 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Caterham 1700 | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Caterham | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1700 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1692 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 135 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 165 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.6 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 543 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3400 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2240 mm | 2410 mm |
