1986 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1986 Ford Escort is newer by 7 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 22 more horse power than 1986 Ford Escort. (48 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Escort weights approximately 60 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
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, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Escort. (83 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Escort | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1115 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 48 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 83 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 65 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 870 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2410 mm |
