2008 Ford Escape vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2008 Ford Escape is newer by 29 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 2,299 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Escape (134 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Escape weights approximately 905 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, 2008 Ford Escape (168 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 66 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2008 Ford Escape has automatic transmission and 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Escape will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Escape | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escape | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2299 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 168 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
