2003 Holden Cruze vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Holden Cruze. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Holden Cruze would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 2003 Holden Cruze. (72 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2003 Holden Cruze. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 415 kg more than 2003 Holden Cruze. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Holden Cruze 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, 2003 Holden Cruze 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 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Holden Cruze. (138 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Holden Cruze.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Holden Cruze | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Holden | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cruze | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 72 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 985 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1610 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2370 mm | 2578 mm |
