1996 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 Hi-Ace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 80 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (90 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace weights approximately 315 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace 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 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. 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 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace. (226 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Hi-Ace | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Hi-Ace | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2446 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 90 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 226 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4720 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1960 mm | 1482 mm |
