1988 Suzuki Vitara vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (75 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 346 kg more than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Suzuki Vitara. (123 Nm @ 3100 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Suzuki Vitara | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vitara | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 75 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3100 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1010 kg | 1356 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1930 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2580 mm |
