1988 Volkswagen Jetta II (facelift 1987) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Volkswagen Jetta II facelift ranges from 935 kg (2062 lbs) to 1140 kg (2513 lbs), depending on the variant and installed equipment. The maximum allowed weight, also known as gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), varies between 1400 kg (3086 lbs) and 1620 kg (3571 lbs). This weight range ensures a reasonable balance between fuel efficiency, handling, and payload capacity.

The Jetta II facelift offers a generous luggage capacity of 575 liters (about 20.3 cubic feet). This storage volume is quite spacious for a compact sedan from the late 1980s, making it practical for everyday commuting and longer trips by allowing ample room for suitcases, shopping, and other cargo compared to other sedans of similar size.

Yes, the Volkswagen Jetta II facelift will fit comfortably in a standard residential garage. Given its length of 4385 mm (172.6 inches) and width of 1675 mm (65.9 inches), it leaves sufficient clearance within the typical garage dimensions found in many homes, which usually accommodate vehicles up to around 5 meters in length and 2.5 meters in width. This makes parking and storing the vehicle at home convenient for most owners.

This Jetta generation supports rim sizes primarily of 14 inches and 13 inches. The tire sizes available include 185/70 R14, 175/70 R13, and 185/60 R14. These tire options provide a balance between ride comfort, handling performance, and availability, typical for a compact sedan of its period.

Compared to the original Jetta I, the Jetta II facelift model grew slightly in all dimensions, notably in length and width. The Jetta II measures 4385 mm (172.6 inches) in length versus the shorter length of approximately 4230 mm (166.5 inches) of the Jetta I. Its width also expanded from roughly 1620 mm (63.8 inches) to 1675 mm (65.9 inches). This increase translated into improved interior space and comfort, making it more competitive within the compact sedan market of the late 1980s.

When compared to contemporaries like the Honda Civic and Ford Escort from the late 1980s, the Volkswagen Jetta II facelift offered competitive exterior dimensions with a length of 4385 mm (172.6 inches) and a width of 1675 mm (65.9 inches). Its luggage capacity of 575 liters (20.3 cubic feet) was notably generous, surpassing many competitors that typically offered closer to 400–450 liters. This made the Jetta II facelift stand out in terms of practicality within its class.

The Jetta II facelift has a height of 1415 mm (55.7 inches). While the exact ground clearance varies slightly based on suspension setup and tires, the vehicle typically offered a balanced ride height conducive to both urban and highway driving. This height allows for easy ingress and egress while providing sufficient headroom inside, contributing positively to passenger comfort and vehicle handling.

The curb weight of the Volkswagen Jetta II facelift spans from 935 kg (2062 lbs) to 1140 kg (2513 lbs), depending on trim and equipment. A lighter curb weight in the lower range typically results in improved fuel efficiency and nimble handling, while the heavier variants might include additional features or stronger engines that marginally impact consumption but enhance performance and comfort levels. Overall, the vehicle balances weight effectively for a compact sedan of its generation.

The Volkswagen Jetta II facelift model, produced between 1987 and 1991, is a four-door sedan. This generation followed the original Jetta I and featured both aesthetic updates and dimensional refinements that modernized the vehicle's appearance and functionality in the compact car segment during its production period.