2004 Ford Ka vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2004 Ford Ka is newer by 25 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 1,597 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Ka is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Ka (94 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Ka should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Ka weights approximately 326 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.
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, 2004 Ford Ka (135 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Ka will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Ka | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ka | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 94 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.2 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1136 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2460 mm | 2410 mm |
