1998 Suzuki Vitara vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. (77 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 380 kg more than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Suzuki Vitara is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Suzuki Vitara will offer significantly more control. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Suzuki Vitara. (127 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Suzuki Vitara | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Suzuki | Volkswagen |
| Model | Vitara | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1590 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 77 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 127 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 75.1 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3660 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2210 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 42 L | 55 L |
