1999 Fiat Punto vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1999 Fiat Punto is newer by 21 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, 1999 Fiat Punto (80 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Fiat Punto should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Fiat Punto weights approximately 125 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, 1999 Fiat Punto (114 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Fiat Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Fiat Punto | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Punto | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 80 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 114 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3810 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2410 mm |
