2009 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1998 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 1,896 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Golf is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (129 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (101 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 962 kg more than 1998 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 1998 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Golf 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, 1998 Volkswagen Golf (305 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 157 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (148 Nm @ 5600 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 1998 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1998 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | 1998 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jetta | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1594 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5600 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 183 km/hour | 202 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 13.3 seconds | 10 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1345 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
