1999 Honda NSX vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda NSX (290 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 220 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda NSX weights approximately 560 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 1999 Honda NSX 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 1999 Honda NSX. 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, 1999 Honda NSX (310 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Honda NSX | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
Model | NSX | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 290 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 310 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 73.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1170 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2410 mm |