2006 Ford Fusion vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2006 Ford Fusion is newer by 27 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 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Fusion (99 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Fusion weights approximately 342 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, 2006 Ford Fusion (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Fusion has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Fusion 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:
| 2006 Ford Fusion | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fusion | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 99 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81.4 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1152 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4020 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2490 mm | 2410 mm |
