1979 Plymouth Horizon vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 368 kg more than 1979 Plymouth 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 136 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Plymouth Horizon | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1715 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1002 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
