2003 Honda S2000 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda S2000 would be higher. At 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda S2000 (240 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 64 kg more than 2003 Honda S2000.
Because 2003 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 2003 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (241 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda S2000. (220 Nm @ 6500 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Honda S2000 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S2000 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2157 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 240 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1286 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
