1980 Plymouth Horizon vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 108 more horse power than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1307 kg more than 1980 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Plymouth Horizon | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Plymouth | Volkswagen |
| Model | Horizon | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1714 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 62 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 115 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4190 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2580 mm |
