2006 Mercury Mountaineer vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 26 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (53 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 1211 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 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer 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, 2006 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 244 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (100 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 2006 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Mercury Mountaineer | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mercury | Volkswagen |
| Model | Mountaineer | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100 mm | 76.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 23.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2076 kg | 865 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 40 L |
