1980 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,294 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Taunus (106 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Taunus should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 251 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 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. 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, 1976 Ford Taunus (177 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Taunus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 1976 Ford Taunus has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Ford Taunus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Jetta | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1980 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 60.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
