1981 Toyota Celica vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 1,988 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Toyota Celica is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Toyota Celica (148 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Toyota Celica should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 1097 kg more than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Because 1981 Toyota Celica 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 1981 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (321 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (182 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Toyota Celica | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Celica | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5200 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1210 kg | 2307 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
