2009 Chevrolet Silverado vs. 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado (295 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Chevrolet Silverado weights approximately 230 kg more than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 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 Chevrolet Silverado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 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 Chevrolet Silverado (414 Nm @ 4600 RPM) has 318 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. 2009 Chevrolet Silverado has automatic transmission and 1990 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1990 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Chevrolet Silverado will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Chevrolet Silverado | 1990 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Silverado | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 295 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 414 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1105 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5850 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1880 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3650 mm | 2480 mm |
