1992 Fiat Cinquecento vs. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1992 Fiat Cinquecento is newer by 14 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 1,457 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit (70 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1992 Fiat Cinquecento. (38 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit should accelerate faster than 1992 Fiat Cinquecento. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit weights approximately 100 kg more than 1992 Fiat Cinquecento. 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, 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit (102 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 37 more torque (in Nm) than 1992 Fiat Cinquecento. (65 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1992 Fiat Cinquecento. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit has automatic transmission and 1992 Fiat Cinquecento has manual transmission. 1992 Fiat Cinquecento will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1992 Fiat Cinquecento | 1978 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cinquecento | Rabbit |
| Year Released | 1992 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 897 cc | 1457 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 65 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 73.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3230 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2410 mm |
