1998 Mazda Sentia vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mazda Sentia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mazda Sentia would be higher. At 2,954 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Mazda Sentia is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 1998 Mazda Sentia. (159 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1998 Mazda Sentia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mazda Sentia weights approximately 160 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1998 Mazda Sentia 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 Mazda Sentia. 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, 1998 Mazda Sentia (245 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 5 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Mazda Sentia will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 1998 Mazda Sentia has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mazda Sentia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Mazda Sentia | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Mazda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sentia | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2954 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2651 mm |
