2003 Chevrolet Prizm vs. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 1,968 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. (123 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 228 kg more than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2006 Volkswagen Jetta (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Chevrolet Prizm.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet Prizm | 2006 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Volkswagen |
| Model | Prizm | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1794 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2580 mm |
