1987 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1987 De Tomaso Pantera is newer by 9 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 5,769 cc (8 cylinders), 1987 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 280 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1987 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 610 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1987 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1987 De Tomaso Pantera. 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, 1987 De Tomaso Pantera (460 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 358 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1987 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 De Tomaso Pantera | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pantera | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5769 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 460 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
