2009 Dodge Charger vs. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Dodge Charger is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,735 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Charger is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Charger (178 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Charger should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Charger weights approximately 1468 kg more than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Dodge Charger 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 Dodge Charger. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 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 Dodge Charger (258 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Charger will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. 2009 Dodge Charger has automatic transmission and 1989 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Dodge Charger will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Charger | 1989 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Charger | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2735 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 178 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2343 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3050 mm | 2480 mm |
