1998 Renault Grand Espace 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 Renault Grand Espace. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Renault Grand Espace would be higher. At 2,946 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Renault Grand Espace is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Renault Grand Espace (190 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Renault Grand Espace should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Renault Grand Espace weights approximately 320 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 1998 Renault Grand Espace (273 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1998 Renault Grand Espace will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1998 Renault Grand Espace has manual transmission. 1998 Renault Grand Espace will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Renault Grand Espace | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Renault | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Espace | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2946 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 190 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 273 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2651 mm |
