2009 Ford Mondeo vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2009 Ford Mondeo is newer by 30 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 2,261 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mondeo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Mondeo (159 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Mondeo should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Mondeo weights approximately 750 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, 2009 Ford Mondeo (208 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mondeo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. 2009 Ford Mondeo 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. 2009 Ford Mondeo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Mondeo | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mondeo | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2261 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4840 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2410 mm |
