1996 Chevrolet Impala vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 17 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 5,733 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 1040 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.
Because 1996 Chevrolet Impala 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 1996 Chevrolet Impala. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 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, 1996 Chevrolet Impala (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 345 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Chevrolet Impala | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
Model | Impala | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5733 cc | 1455 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 256 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 447 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 88.4 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |