1998 Honda S2000 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda S2000 would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda S2000 (251 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 7 kg more than 1998 Honda S2000.
Because 1998 Honda S2000 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 1998 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Honda S2000. (218 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Honda S2000 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S2000 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 251 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.7:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1247 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
