1974 Ford Capri vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Ford Capri would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Ford Capri (54 HP) has 1 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1974 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Ford Capri weights approximately 45 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 1974 Ford Capri 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 1974 Ford Capri. 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, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta (102 Nm @ 2300 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Ford Capri. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1984 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Ford Capri | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1984 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 53 HP |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2480 mm |
