Volkswagen Jetta I 1.3 (60 Hp)
Overall Rating
Volkswagen Jetta:
The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact car/small family car manufactured and marketed by Volkswagen since 1979. Positioned to fill a sedan niche slightly above the firm's Golf hatchback, it has been marketed over seven generations, variously as the Atlantic, Vento, Bora, City Jetta, Jetta City, GLI, Jetta, Clasico, and Sagitar.
The Jetta has been offered in two- and four-door saloon / sedan and sometimes as five-door wagon / estate versions. Since the original version in 1980, the car has grown in size and power with each generation. By mid-2011, almost 10 million Jettas have been produced and sold all over the world. As of April 2014, Volkswagen marketed over 14 million, becoming its top selling model....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Overview:
Volkswagen Jetta (I). With 95 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 810 kg, it’s quite light. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 148 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Volkswagen Jetta I predates modern crash testing standards like Euro NCAP. Safety features were basic for its era, focusing on structural integrity rather than advanced occupant protection systems.
1.3 (60 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 1.3-liter engine was the entry-level option, offering modest performance best suited for urban environments and gentle driving.
Fuel Economy
As the smallest engine, it delivered excellent fuel economy, making it a very cost-effective option for city commuters.
Community Verdict
This rating is based on comments found on Reddit, scanned using artificial intelligence, and may not accurately reflect reality.

3.2 / 5
Based on AI analysis of 11 discussions
Read What Owners Say
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Robust and reliable build quality
- • Excellent fuel economy from diesel variants
- • Practical sedan body style with good trunk space
- • Simple and easy to maintain mechanics
- • Good driving dynamics for its class
Cons:
- • Basic safety features by modern standards
- • Entry-level engines can feel underpowered
- • Interior design is spartan and dated
- • Limited modern amenities
- • Rust can be an issue on older models
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Volkswagen |
| Model: | Jetta |
| Generation: | I |
| Modification (Engine): | 1.3 (60 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1979 |
| End of production: | 1983 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 60 Hp @ 5600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 47.2 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 95 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | GF |
| Engine displacement: | 1272 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3 l |
| Coolant: | 4.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 148 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.5 kg/Hp, 74.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.5 kg/Nm, 117.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 810 |
| Max. weight: | 1240 |
| Max load: | 430 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 629 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1000 kg |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 400 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4188 mm mm |
| Width: | 1610 mm mm |
| Height: | 1410 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2398 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1389 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1356 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.3 m |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm, Torsion |















Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Volkswagen Jetta?