1996 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1996 Honda Civic is newer by 18 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 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda Civic (90 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Honda Civic weights approximately 155 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, 1996 Honda Civic (124 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1996 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Civic will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1996 Honda Civic | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
Model | Civic | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1396 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 90 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 124 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Front | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |