2009 Toyota Corolla vs. 1990 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Toyota Corolla 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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Corolla is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Corolla (133 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (54 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Corolla should accelerate faster than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Toyota Corolla weights approximately 199 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.
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 Toyota Corolla (174 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. (96 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Corolla will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Volkswagen Jetta. 2009 Toyota Corolla 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 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Toyota Corolla | 1990 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1990 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1798 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 54 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 96 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 72 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1074 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2480 mm |
