1978 Dodge Aspen vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 3,687 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Dodge Aspen is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (168 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 20 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1978 Dodge Aspen 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 1978 Dodge Aspen. 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 (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Dodge Aspen | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Aspen | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2651 mm |
