1979 Subaru Rex vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Subaru Rex. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Subaru Rex would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 141 more horse power than 1979 Subaru Rex. (29 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1979 Subaru Rex. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 865 kg more than 1979 Subaru Rex. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Subaru Rex 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 Subaru Rex. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Subaru Rex. (42 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Subaru Rex. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1979 Subaru Rex has manual transmission. 1979 Subaru Rex will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Subaru Rex | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rex | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 543 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 29 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 42 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 535 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3000 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1300 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 1930 mm | 2578 mm |
