1999 Honda NSX vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1999 Honda NSX is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 3,177 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda NSX (276 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda NSX weights approximately 650 kg more than 1979 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, 1979 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 (304 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 202 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 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 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1999 Honda NSX has manual transmission. 1999 Honda NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda NSX | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | NSX | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3177 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 276 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 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 | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1460 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4410 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
