1992 Ford Escort vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1992 Ford Escort is newer by 13 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 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1992 Ford Escort is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 Ford Escort (106 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1992 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1992 Ford Escort weights approximately 330 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, 1992 Ford Escort (153 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1992 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1992 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1992 Ford Escort 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:
| 1992 Ford Escort | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escort | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 106 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1140 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
