1980 Honda Ballade vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP) has 96 more horse power than 1980 Honda Ballade. (74 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 535 kg more than 1980 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Honda Ballade. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer significantly more control. 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 (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Honda Ballade. (120 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Honda Ballade. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1980 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1980 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Honda Ballade | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ballade | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1488 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 815 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2580 mm |
