2009 Honda Civic vs. 1980 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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 1,799 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Honda Civic is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Honda Civic (138 HP) has 79 more horse power than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (59 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Honda Civic should accelerate faster than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Honda Civic weights approximately 368 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 Honda Civic (128 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta. (95 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Honda Civic will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Honda Civic | 1980 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Civic | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1799 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 128 Nm | 95 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1193 kg | 825 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 40 L |
