2006 Pontiac GTO vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Pontiac GTO 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 5,965 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Pontiac GTO (400 HP) has 341 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Pontiac GTO weights approximately 865 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 Pontiac GTO 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 2006 Pontiac GTO. 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, 2006 Pontiac GTO (543 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 448 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Pontiac GTO | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Pontiac | Volkswagen |
| Model | GTO | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5965 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 543 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1690 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 40 L |
