2003 Mazda Roadster vs. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2003 Mazda Roadster is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,839 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda Roadster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda Roadster (157 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda Roadster should accelerate faster than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda Roadster weights approximately 265 kg more than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Mazda Roadster 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 2003 Mazda Roadster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1975 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, 2003 Mazda Roadster (170 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2003 Mazda Roadster has manual transmission. 2003 Mazda Roadster will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Mazda Roadster | 1975 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Roadster | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1975 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1839 cc | 1470 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 157 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1060 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2410 mm |
