1986 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 10 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Escort (90 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 165 kg more than 1976 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, 1986 Ford Escort (133 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1986 Ford Escort has automatic transmission and 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Ford Escort will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 133 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2420 mm | 2410 mm |
