1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is newer by 10 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 2,461 cc (4 cylinders), 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (235 HP @ 7200 RPM) has 182 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 weights approximately 475 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 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 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190. 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, 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 (246 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Mercedes-Benz 190 | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Volkswagen |
| Model | 190 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1990 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2461 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 246 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 97.3 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 141 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 40 L |
