1979 Ford Capri vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Capri would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1979 Ford Capri. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 444 kg more than 1979 Ford Capri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford Capri 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 1979 Ford Capri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 235 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Capri. (85 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Capri.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Capri | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Capri | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1298 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 85 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2570 mm | 2651 mm |
