1971 Lancia Stratos vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Lancia Stratos. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Lancia Stratos would be higher. At 1,779 cc (4 cylinders), 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Lancia Stratos (112 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Lancia Stratos should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Lancia Stratos weights approximately 54 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Lancia Stratos 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 1971 Lancia Stratos. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lancia Stratos. (153 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lancia Stratos.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lancia Stratos | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stratos | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1584 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 153 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3680 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2480 mm |
