1986 Pontiac 1000 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1986 Pontiac 1000 is newer by 6 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 1,599 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Pontiac 1000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta (73 HP @ 4500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac 1000. (64 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac 1000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Pontiac 1000 weights approximately 70 kg more than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1986 Pontiac 1000 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 1986 Pontiac 1000. 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, 1980 Volkswagen Jetta (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac 1000. (109 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 1980 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac 1000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Pontiac 1000 | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | 1000 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 64 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 109 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1580 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2400 mm | 2410 mm |
