1998 Panoz AIV 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 Panoz AIV. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Panoz AIV would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 1998 Panoz AIV is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Panoz AIV (301 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 131 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Panoz AIV should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 220 kg more than 1998 Panoz AIV.
Because 1998 Panoz AIV 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 Panoz AIV. 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 Panoz AIV (407 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Panoz AIV will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Panoz AIV | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Panoz | Volkswagen |
| Model | AIV | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4050 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 55 L |
