1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,097 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 540 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 1972 Ford Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gran Torino | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4097 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.5 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1858 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5470 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
