2009 Fiat Panda vs. 1989 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Fiat Panda 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 1,272 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 78 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Panda | 1989 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Fiat | Volkswagen |
| Model | Panda | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1242 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 102 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 70.9 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.9 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 953 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3540 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1600 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1580 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2310 mm | 2480 mm |
