2009 Opel Astra vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2009 Opel Astra 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 1,795 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Opel Astra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Opel Astra (138 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Opel Astra should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Opel Astra weights approximately 468 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 Opel Astra (175 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Opel Astra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Opel Astra | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Astra | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1795 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.5 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.2 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1278 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2410 mm |
