2005 Renault Clio vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2005 Renault Clio is newer by 26 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 1,461 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Renault Clio is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Renault Clio (96 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Renault Clio should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Renault Clio weights approximately 225 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, 2005 Renault Clio (192 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2005 Renault Clio will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2005 Renault Clio has manual transmission. 2005 Renault Clio will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Renault Clio | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Clio | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1461 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.5 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3780 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2410 mm |
