1998 Nissan Serena vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Serena. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Serena would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Nissan Serena is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (101 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Serena. (96 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Serena. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Nissan Serena weights approximately 114 kg more than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 1998 Nissan Serena 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 Nissan Serena. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta (148 Nm @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Serena. (131 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Serena.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Nissan Serena | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Serena | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Van | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1596 cc | 1595 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 96 HP | 101 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1271 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2580 mm |
