1996 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 1,595 cc (4 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (101 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (54 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 411 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (148 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Passat. (92 Nm @ 3400 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Volkswagen Passat | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1272 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 54 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 860 kg | 1271 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4300 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 55 L |
