1978 Ford Fiesta vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (39 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 665 kg more than 1978 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 216 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Fiesta. (64 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Fiesta | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 956 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 39 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 64 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 74 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 55.7 mm | 92.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 715 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1570 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
