1973 Nissan Fairlady vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Nissan Fairlady. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Nissan Fairlady would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. (109 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 439 kg more than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1973 Nissan Fairlady 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 1973 Nissan Fairlady. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Nissan Fairlady. (175 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Nissan Fairlady.
Compare all specifications:
| 1973 Nissan Fairlady | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fairlady | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 995 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2651 mm |
