1995 Ford Ranger vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1995 Ford Ranger is newer by 17 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 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 1995 Ford Ranger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Ranger (159 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Ranger should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Ranger weights approximately 645 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 1995 Ford Ranger 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 1995 Ford Ranger. 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, 1995 Ford Ranger (305 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 203 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Ranger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1995 Ford Ranger | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Ranger | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4014 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 159 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 305 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1455 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1650 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2410 mm |