1999 Honda Insight vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Honda Insight. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Honda Insight would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 1999 Honda Insight. (67 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1999 Honda Insight. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 510 kg more than 1999 Honda Insight. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1999 Honda Insight. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Honda Insight. (123 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Honda Insight.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Honda Insight | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | Insight | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 995 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 3 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 123 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
