2007 Fiat Panda vs. 1981 Skoda Rapid R
To start off, 2007 Fiat Panda is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Skoda Rapid R. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Skoda Rapid R would be higher. At 1,289 cc (4 cylinders), 1981 Skoda Rapid R is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Fiat Panda (69 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 1981 Skoda Rapid R. (62 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1981 Skoda Rapid R. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Fiat Panda weights approximately 83 kg more than 1981 Skoda Rapid R. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Skoda Rapid R is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1981 Skoda Rapid R. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 Fiat Panda, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2007 Fiat Panda (180 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Skoda Rapid R. (99 Nm @ 2850 RPM). This means 2007 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Skoda Rapid R.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Fiat Panda | 1981 Skoda Rapid R | |
| Make | Fiat | Skoda |
| Model | Panda | Rapid R |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1248 cc | 1289 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 69 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 99 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 2850 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 69.7 mm | 75.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 935 kg | 852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1550 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 35 L | 47 L |
