1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 635 kg more than 1989 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, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 1989 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 1989 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 72 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2480 mm |
