1995 Ford Probe vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1995 Ford Probe is newer by 15 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 1,990 cc (4 cylinders), 1995 Ford Probe is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Ford Probe (115 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (73 HP @ 4500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Ford Probe should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Ford Probe weights approximately 340 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.
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, 1995 Ford Probe (172 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (133 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1995 Ford Probe will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Ford Probe | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Probe | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1990 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 73 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 133 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4590 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1420 mm |
