2009 Ford Focus vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus 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 1,560 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (89 HP) has 30 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Focus weights approximately 537 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.
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 Ford Focus (215 Nm @ 1850 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Focus | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1560 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 215 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1850 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 142 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1362 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 53 L | 40 L |
