1990 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1990 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Taurus weights approximately 4 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Taurus | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2578 mm |
