1995 Nissan Serena vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 73 more horse power than 1995 Nissan Serena. (97 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1995 Nissan Serena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 15 kg more than 1995 Nissan Serena. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1995 Nissan Serena 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 1995 Nissan Serena. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Nissan Serena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Nissan Serena | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Serena | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1995 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 97 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2651 mm |
