2009 Ford Fusion vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2009 Ford Fusion is newer by 31 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Fusion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Fusion (89 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Fusion should accelerate faster than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Fusion weights approximately 367 kg more than 1978 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, 2009 Ford Fusion (205 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Fusion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Fusion | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fusion | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1177 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 |
