1997 De Tomaso Guara vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1997 De Tomaso Guara is newer by 19 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 3,981 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 De Tomaso Guara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 De Tomaso Guara (282 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 212 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 De Tomaso Guara should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 De Tomaso Guara weights approximately 365 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 1997 De Tomaso Guara 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 1997 De Tomaso Guara. 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, 1997 De Tomaso Guara (402 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 300 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 De Tomaso Guara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1997 De Tomaso Guara has manual transmission. 1997 De Tomaso Guara 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:
| 1997 De Tomaso Guara | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Volkswagen |
| Model | Guara | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3981 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 282 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 402 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
