2002 Honda S2000 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda S2000 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Honda S2000 (238 HP @ 8600 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 135 kg more than 2002 Honda S2000.
Because 2002 Honda S2000 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda S2000. (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda S2000 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S2000 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1265 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4120 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
