1980 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (222 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 1301 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 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 Phaeton (450 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 350 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jetta | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1980 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1588 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 100 Nm | 450 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 1400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 91.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 23.0:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 141 km/hour | 234 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 865 kg | 2166 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4200 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 40 L | 90 L |
