1978 Ford Capri vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,994 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Ford Capri is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ford Capri (175 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ford Capri should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1137 kg more than 1978 Ford Capri.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Capri. (263 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Capri | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2994 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Top Speed | 204 km/hour | 207 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2580 mm |
