2012 Aston Martin Rapide vs. 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is newer by 33 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 5,900 cc (12 cylinders), 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 400 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (70 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Aston Martin Rapide weights approximately 1180 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.
Because 2012 Aston Martin Rapide is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Aston Martin Rapide. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Aston Martin Rapide (600 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 498 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit. (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Aston Martin Rapide will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Aston Martin Rapide | 1979 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Aston Martin | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rapide | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5900 cc | 1455 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 470 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 600 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1990 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5019 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1928 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2410 mm |
