1963 BMW 1800 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1963 BMW 1800. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1963 BMW 1800 would be higher. At 1,766 cc (4 cylinders), 1963 BMW 1800 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1963 BMW 1800 (90 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (73 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1963 BMW 1800 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1963 BMW 1800 weights approximately 210 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 1963 BMW 1800 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 1963 BMW 1800. 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, 1963 BMW 1800 (144 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1963 BMW 1800 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1963 BMW 1800 | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1800 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1963 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1766 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 144 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 156 km/hour | 148 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1100 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 40 L |
