1997 Ford Falcon vs. 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1997 Ford Falcon is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Ford Falcon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Falcon (301 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 239 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (62 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Falcon should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Falcon weights approximately 864 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Ford Falcon (515 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 411 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit. (104 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Falcon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Ford Falcon | 1980 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Falcon | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1997 | 1980 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 5766 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 301 HP | 62 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5400 RPM |
Torque | 515 Nm | 104 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1674 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4940 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2410 mm |