1978 GMC Jimmy vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 GMC Jimmy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 GMC Jimmy would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 GMC Jimmy is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 GMC Jimmy (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (70 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1978 GMC Jimmy should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 GMC Jimmy weights approximately 822 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 GMC Jimmy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 GMC Jimmy will offer significantly more control. 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 GMC Jimmy (242 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (133 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1978 GMC Jimmy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. 1978 GMC Jimmy has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 GMC Jimmy will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 GMC Jimmy | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | GMC | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jimmy | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1985 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 242 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 978 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2030 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2480 mm |
