2009 Cadillac Escalade vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Cadillac Escalade is newer by 29 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 6,162 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac Escalade is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (397 HP) has 338 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac Escalade should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Cadillac Escalade weights approximately 741 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 2009 Cadillac Escalade 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 2009 Cadillac Escalade. 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, 2009 Cadillac Escalade (417 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 322 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac Escalade will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. 2009 Cadillac Escalade 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. 2009 Cadillac Escalade will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac Escalade | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Cadillac | Volkswagen |
| Model | Escalade | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6162 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 397 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 417 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1566 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4690 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 40 L |
