1971 Lancia Stratos vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 41 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1971 Lancia Stratos. (114 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1971 Lancia Stratos. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 420 kg more than 1971 Lancia Stratos. 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, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Lancia Stratos. (155 Nm). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Lancia Stratos. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1971 Lancia Stratos has manual transmission. 1971 Lancia Stratos will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Lancia Stratos | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Lancia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Stratos | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 1582 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 155 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 980 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3680 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1090 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2170 mm | 2578 mm |
