2003 Suzuki Swift vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2003 Suzuki Swift is newer by 25 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 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2003 Suzuki Swift. (52 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 2003 Suzuki Swift. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 70 kg more than 2003 Suzuki Swift. 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, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Suzuki Swift. (76 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Suzuki Swift.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Suzuki Swift | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Swift | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 993 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 52 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 76 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 740 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3850 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2410 mm |
