in 1975, many VW enthusiasts thought that the engineers at the Wolfsburg manufacturing facilities were experimenting. However, the huge leap from the original gas-powered Diesel Injection to the Diesel Rabbit made them think otherwise.

The bunny's original gas-fed engine and powertrain delivered an impressive 78hp. To many, VW's move to replace it with a Diesel-powered motor seemed somewhat cruel. It turned out that they were too quick to judge.

Many in-market shoppers at the time had to pay significantly for the Volkswagen Rabbit, and it was worth it. The car offered enhanced fuel mileage, roominess, and low maintenance.

Understanding the 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit

For the third model off VW's Rabbit line, the car brand included an all-new 1.5-liter diesel engine. As highlighted on

Car and Driver

, the motor could crank out 48hp, 15 horsepower less than its 1975 and 1976 gas-powered siblings.

Granted, taking the Volkswagen Diesel to a quarter-mile took three seconds longer, but it was the fastest Diesel car one could afford at the time.

Automotive buffs who relished the Diesel grinned when driving the car. Although VW sacrificed engine power to create the '77 Rabbit, the vehicle came with excellent fuel economy, almost 50-percent more than the initially released model.

On the C/D mileage scale, the car measured 39.5 mpg on city streets and 35.0 mpg on the highway, chronicling its low- and mid-range economy.

Another upside of the Rabbit's Dieselization was the engine's extended service life. Volkswagen confirmed that owners of the 1975 or '76 gas-fed Rabbits would have to maintain their motors twice as many times as Diesel Rabbit owners.

Apart from that, the latter enjoyed expanded roominess, enabling the driver and passengers to stretch their legs and raise their heads without much restriction.

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How does the 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit compare to other 70's cars?

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In 1977, VW did not only deliver the fastest car that ran on diesel, but they also rolled out the Passat. It was known as the Passat in German, but its American counterpart was known as the Dasher.

It featured a two-door hatchback body like the other variation of the Diesel Rabbit but delivered more power – 78 horsepower – thanks to its water-cooled inline four-cylinder engine.

The renowned German car manufacturer released the Super Beetle Convertible two years later. It represented a total overhaul of the 1949 Beetle, according to

Autoblog

It came with a fuel-injected flat-four that delivered the same power as the Diesel Rabbit. Like the Rabbit, this Beetle-like design had a McPherson strut front suspension to deliver a more quality ride.

While the Diesel Rabbit made headlines among car enthusiasts, GM's Chevrolet also released the '77 Chevy Nova two-door hatchback.

Although it beat the Rabbit hands down in speed (106 mph), the Volkswagen Rabbit still triumphed in gas mileage. Compared to the VW's 35.0 mpg, the Chevy Nova only managed 20.7 mpg, making the Rabbit one of the top economy options in the late ‘70s.

1977 Volkswagen Rabbit: Design, features, and reviews

MORE: A Japanese classic: the Cappuccino

A glance at the '77 Volkswagen Rabbit reveals an efficient and attractive two-box design with a steep hatchback exterior styling.

Today, the small, compact hatchback may look like an ordinary vehicle design, but when it made its debut, it was something to behold. VW built it on a steel unibody chassis to ensure it delivered enhanced handling and fuel economy.

Under the hood was a clean and neatly arranged Mark 1 (Mk1) 1.5-liter engine, inspired by the EA827 Audi petrol engine.

It had a crankshaft, cooling system, connecting rods, cylinder head, and timing belt, all redesigned to withstand the high stress caused by the diesel conversion. In fact, the car was designed to be a practical and functional small family vehicle, and the engine choice reflected that.

Many owners have lauded the '77 VW Rabbit as a great car that's much afforded. It's quick, with high responsiveness, and was non-bothersome in its stability control. Others love it because they have fun driving. Generally, VW clearly demonstrated its dedication to offering its fans a vehicle that's worth your money with the Diesel Rabbit.

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