1999 Kia Elan vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Kia Elan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Kia Elan would be higher. At 1,793 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Kia Elan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Kia Elan (149 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Kia Elan should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 437 kg more than 1999 Kia Elan.
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, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta (220 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Kia Elan. (186 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Kia Elan. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1999 Kia Elan has manual transmission. 1999 Kia Elan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Kia Elan | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Elan | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1793 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 186 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1068 kg | 1505 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1280 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2651 mm |
