1978 Fiat 127 vs. 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1990 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Fiat 127. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Fiat 127 would be higher. At 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Volkswagen Jetta (54 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1978 Fiat 127. (44 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1990 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Fiat 127. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 170 kg more than 1978 Fiat 127. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1990 Volkswagen Jetta (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Fiat 127. (64 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1990 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Fiat 127.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Fiat 127 | 1990 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | 127 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 903 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 44 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 65 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.7 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 705 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3650 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1530 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2480 mm |
