1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 230 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 52 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1998 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
Model | MX-5 Miata | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1998 | 1975 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1470 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 162 Nm | 110 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Vehicle Weight | 1025 kg | 795 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |