2008 Honda S2000 vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda S2000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda S2000 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda S2000 (237 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda S2000 should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 144 kg more than 2008 Honda S2000.
Because 2008 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 2008 Honda S2000. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda S2000. (208 Nm @ 7500 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda S2000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Honda S2000 | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Honda | Volkswagen |
| Model | S2000 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 237 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 208 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 7500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1464 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4140 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
