1979 Toyota Carina vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Toyota Carina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Toyota Carina would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Toyota Carina (79 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1979 Toyota Carina should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Toyota Carina weights approximately 90 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Toyota Carina 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 Toyota Carina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1980 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 Toyota Carina (124 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1979 Toyota Carina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Toyota Carina | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Carina | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1587 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 79 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.8:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 955 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 40 L |
