2009 Land Rover Defender vs. 1996 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,800 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Volkswagen Jetta (174 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender.
Because 2009 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Land Rover Defender 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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta. (235 Nm). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Land Rover Defender | 1996 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Land Rover | Volkswagen |
| Model | Defender | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2402 cc | 2800 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 174 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 90.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2800 mm | 2480 mm |
