2007 Fiat Panda vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2007 Fiat Panda is newer by 29 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 11 more horse power than 2007 Fiat Panda. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 2007 Fiat Panda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Fiat Panda weights approximately 155 kg more than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Because 2007 Fiat Panda is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Fiat Panda will offer significantly more control. 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, both vehicles can yield 102 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2007 Fiat Panda has manual transmission. 2007 Fiat Panda will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Fiat Panda | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.8 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3580 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
