1997 Honda Civic vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1997 Honda Civic 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 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Honda Civic (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Honda Civic weights approximately 145 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, 1997 Honda Civic (110 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1997 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Honda Civic | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1395 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 110 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 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 |
