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Specs & Variants

Volkswagen Jetta Generation

Years1981–1983
BodySedan
Variants20

The Volkswagen Jetta Generation is a sedan, produced 1981–1983. This generation includes 20 variants available in Petrol and Diesel, with outputs ranging from 54 to 112 hp. The quickest variant in this generation reaches 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds. All variants in this generation use FRONT WHEEL DRIVE drive. Select a variant below to compare full specifications, or use the fuel filter to narrow the list by powertrain type.

Volkswagen Jetta 1981 front view

Volkswagen Jetta Generation20 variants

Top max speed in this generationBest consumption in this generationLongest electric range in this generationLowest CO₂ emissions in this generation
Sort
Variant
Power
0–100
Cons.
CO₂
Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 TX
1,781 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
112hp / 82 kW
9.6s
8.4l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.8 GL
1,781 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
112hp / 82 kW
9.6s
8.4l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 GT
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
110hp / 81 kW
9.6s
8.9l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 GL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
110hp / 81 kW
9.6s
8.9l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 Turbo Diesel TX
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
70hp / 51 kW
14.0s
6.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 Turbo Diesel LX
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
70hp / 51 kW
14.0s
6.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 Turbo Diesel GL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
70hp / 51 kW
14.0s
6.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.5 TX
1,457 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
70hp / 51 kW
13.7s
8.7l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.5 LX
1,457 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
70hp / 51 kW
13.7s
8.7l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.5 GL
1,457 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
70hp / 51 kW
13.7s
8.7l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.5 CL
1,457 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
70hp / 51 kW
13.7s
8.7l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.5 C
1,457 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
70hp / 51 kW
13.7s
8.7l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.3 LX
1,272 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
60hp / 44 kW
15.4s
8.4l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.3 CL
1,272 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
60hp / 44 kW
15.4s
8.4l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.3 C
1,272 cc·Manual·FWD·Petrol
60hp / 44 kW
15.4s
8.4l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 Diesel TX
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
17.8s
6.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 Diesel LX
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
17.8s
6.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 Diesel GL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
17.8s
6.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 Diesel CL
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
17.8s
6.0l/100km
-
Volkswagen Jetta 1.6 Diesel
1,588 cc·Manual·FWD·Diesel
54hp / 40 kW
17.8s
6.0l/100km
-
Showing 20 of 20 variants
Updated Jun 2026 · Specifications sourced from manufacturer press releases and homologation documents.

Quick answers

What body type is the Volkswagen Jetta (1981-1983)?

The Volkswagen Jetta (1981-1983) is a sedan. All 20 variants in this generation share this body configuration. Full specifications including dimensions, weight, and cargo volume are listed on each variant page.

How many variants does the Volkswagen Jetta (1981-1983) have?

The Volkswagen Jetta (1981-1983) has 20 variants, each representing a distinct combination of engine output, transmission type, and equipment level. Browse the table below to compare power, acceleration, and consumption across all specs.

What years was the Volkswagen Jetta (1981-1983) produced?

The Volkswagen Jetta (1981-1983) was produced 1981–1983. During this production run the model was offered with multiple engine options and powertrain configurations. All variants from this period remain indexed with their original manufacturer specifications.

What fuel types are available in the Volkswagen Jetta (1981-1983)?

The Volkswagen Jetta (1981-1983) is available in Petrol, Diesel. Each fuel variant carries its own consumption rating, CO₂ output, and performance figures. Use the fuel filter above to narrow the list by powertrain type.