1978 Honda Accord 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 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (79 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1380 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Honda Accord | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Accord | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1602 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 930 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2290 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
