1981 Ford Fiesta vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Fiesta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Fiesta would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (83 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Fiesta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 664 kg more than 1981 Ford Fiesta. 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Fiesta. (129 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Fiesta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Fiesta | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Fiesta | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1608 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 800 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3570 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1590 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 34 L | 55 L |
