2003 Buick Rainier vs. 1996 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2003 Buick Rainier is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 4,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Buick Rainier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Buick Rainier (271 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 97 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. (174 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2003 Buick Rainier is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Buick Rainier 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, 2003 Buick Rainier (373 Nm) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. (235 Nm). This means 2003 Buick Rainier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. 2003 Buick Rainier has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Buick Rainier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Buick Rainier | 1996 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Buick | Volkswagen |
| Model | Rainier | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4195 cc | 2800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 373 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 102 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2480 mm |
