1971 Plymouth Barracuda vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 3,250 cc (6 cylinders), 1971 Plymouth Barracuda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda (102 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 465 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Plymouth Barracuda 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 Plymouth Barracuda. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1971 Plymouth Barracuda (217 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (102 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1971 Plymouth Barracuda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 Plymouth Barracuda | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Barracuda | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3250 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.4 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1405 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4750 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2480 mm |
