1978 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 1,979 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Opel Manta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1978 Opel Manta. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 320 kg more than 1978 Opel Manta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Opel Manta 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 Opel Manta. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Manta. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Manta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Manta | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Opel | Volkswagen |
| Model | Manta | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
