1990 Ford Tempo vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1990 Ford Tempo is newer by 12 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Ford Tempo (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Tempo weights approximately 340 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.
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, 1990 Ford Tempo (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1990 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Tempo | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tempo | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2307 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1150 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2410 mm |
