1985 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 60 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 453 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Jetta (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Golf. (96 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Volkswagen Golf | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 96 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 830 kg | 1283 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3990 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.4 L/100km | 8.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
