1961 Cadillac Eldorado vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Cadillac Eldorado. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Cadillac Eldorado would be higher. At 6,390 cc (8 cylinders), 1961 Cadillac Eldorado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1961 Cadillac Eldorado (197 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1961 Cadillac Eldorado should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1961 Cadillac Eldorado weights approximately 1265 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 Cadillac Eldorado 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 1961 Cadillac Eldorado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1961 Cadillac Eldorado (583 Nm @ 3100 RPM) has 483 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1961 Cadillac Eldorado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Cadillac Eldorado | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Eldorado | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6390 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 583 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.4 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2130 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5660 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3300 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 40 L |
