1986 Honda Civic vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1986 Honda Civic 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 1,590 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Honda Civic (125 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Honda Civic weights approximately 90 kg more than 1979 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 Honda Civic (142 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1986 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1986 Honda Civic 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:
| 1986 Honda Civic | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 125 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 142 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 900 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3760 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
