1999 Renault Spider vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1999 Renault Spider 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Renault Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Renault Spider (296 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 226 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Renault Spider should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Renault Spider weights approximately 186 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 Renault Spider 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 Renault Spider. 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 Renault Spider (340 Nm @ 3120 RPM) has 238 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Renault Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
1999 Renault Spider | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
Model | Spider | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
Engine Position | Middle | Front |
Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1457 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 296 HP | 70 HP |
Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5800 RPM |
Torque | 340 Nm | 102 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3120 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Vehicle Weight | 996 kg | 810 kg |
Vehicle Length | 3800 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1260 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2410 mm |