1996 Honda Today vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda Today. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda Today would be higher. At 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 150 more horse power than 1996 Honda Today. (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Honda Today. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 686 kg more than 1996 Honda Today. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 223 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Honda Today. (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Honda Today. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1996 Honda Today has manual transmission. 1996 Honda Today will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Honda Today | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Today | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 656 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 47 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 57 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 710 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3300 mm | 5180 mm |
