2003 Toyota Avalon 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 Toyota Avalon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Toyota Avalon would be higher. At 2,981 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Toyota Avalon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Toyota Avalon (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Toyota Avalon should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Toyota Avalon weights approximately 281 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2003 Toyota Avalon (298 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Toyota Avalon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2003 Toyota Avalon has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Toyota Avalon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Toyota Avalon | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Toyota | Volkswagen |
| Model | Avalon | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2981 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2610 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
