1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 12 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 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 705 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, 1988 Ford Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
