1999 Subaru Forester vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1999 Subaru Forester is newer by 19 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Subaru Forester (123 HP) has 64 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Subaru Forester weights approximately 560 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 1999 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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, 1999 Subaru Forester (176 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1999 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Subaru Forester | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1600 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2410 mm |
