1980 Dodge Mirada vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1980 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1980 Dodge Mirada. (146 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Dodge Mirada weights approximately 236 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1980 Dodge Mirada 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 1980 Dodge Mirada. 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, 1980 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1980 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Dodge Mirada | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mirada | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 146 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2578 mm |
