1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 36 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 5,751 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (161 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 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 392 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (374 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 134 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Gran Torino | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5751 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 374 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1742 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5270 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 55 L |
