1978 Ford Mustang vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Ford Mustang. (138 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 110 kg more than 1978 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Mustang 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 Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1978 Ford Mustang (339 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1978 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Mustang | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Mustang | Jetta |
Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4941 cc | 2500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Horse Power | 138 HP | 170 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
Torque | 339 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1400 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4557 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1781 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1504 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2578 mm |