1978 Talbot Horizon 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 Talbot Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Talbot Horizon would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 113 more horse power than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (57 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1978 Talbot Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 302 kg more than 1978 Talbot Horizon. 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 (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Talbot Horizon. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Talbot Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Talbot Horizon | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Talbot | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1118 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 945 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3970 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 55 L |
