2008 Fiat 500 vs. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 1,471 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Fiat 500 (73 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Fiat 500 should accelerate faster than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Fiat 500 weights approximately 135 kg more than 1976 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, 2008 Fiat 500 (131 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. (110 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Fiat 500 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 2008 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2008 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Fiat 500 | 1976 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 500 | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 73 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 110 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 795 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3550 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2410 mm |
