1988 Ford Sierra vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Sierra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Sierra would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 64 more horse power than 1988 Ford Sierra. (74 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Sierra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 424 kg more than 1988 Ford Sierra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 Ford Sierra 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 Ford Sierra. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Sierra. (122 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Sierra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Sierra | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sierra | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 122 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2651 mm |
