1988 BMW 520 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1988 BMW 520 is newer by 8 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 1,989 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW 520 (129 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 BMW 520 weights approximately 705 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 1988 BMW 520 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 1988 BMW 520. 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, 1988 BMW 520 (174 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1988 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 1988 BMW 520 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. 1988 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW 520 | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1989 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 202 km/hour | 141 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1570 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4780 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
