1996 Toyota Corolla vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla 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 65 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 310 kg more than 1996 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Corolla | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Corolla | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1585 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
