1999 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 2,496 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 Volkswagen Passat (149 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 160 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.
Because 1999 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Passat. (316 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Volkswagen Passat | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Passat | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2496 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4680 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2651 mm |
