2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1998 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 10 kg more than 1998 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Ford Mustang 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 1998 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 1998 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 1998 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 1998 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Jetta | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2580 mm |
