1996 Nissan President vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1996 Nissan President is newer by 16 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 4,494 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Nissan President is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Nissan President (267 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Nissan President should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Nissan President weights approximately 1025 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 1996 Nissan President 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 1996 Nissan President. 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, 1996 Nissan President (394 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 294 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1996 Nissan President will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 1996 Nissan President has automatic transmission and 1980 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Nissan President will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Nissan President | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | President | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4494 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 394 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1890 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5230 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3040 mm | 2410 mm |
