1996 Chevrolet Lumina vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Lumina would be higher. At 3,135 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Lumina is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. (155 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Lumina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina weights approximately 141 kg more than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1996 Chevrolet Lumina (251 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Chevrolet Lumina will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Lumina | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Lumina | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3135 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 155 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1369 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 56 L | 55 L |
