2000 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2000 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 20 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2000 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (103 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2000 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 389 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, 2000 Volkswagen Golf (148 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2000 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Volkswagen Golf | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2000 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76.5 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.9 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 141 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4400 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 40 L |
