1979 Ford LTD vs. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1984 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Ford LTD (133 HP @ 3400 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Ford LTD should accelerate faster than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford LTD weights approximately 746 kg more than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 LTD. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 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, 1979 Ford LTD (332 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 230 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. (102 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Volkswagen Jetta. 1979 Ford LTD has automatic transmission and 1984 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1984 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Ford LTD will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford LTD | 1984 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | LTD | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.4:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1686 kg | 940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5520 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2480 mm |
