1999 Honda Prelude vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1999 Honda Prelude 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Honda Prelude is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Honda Prelude (132 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Honda Prelude should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Honda Prelude weights approximately 430 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 Honda Prelude (178 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Honda Prelude will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Prelude | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prelude | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2410 mm |
