2009 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2003 Nissan Maxima
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Maxima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Maxima would be higher. At 1,995 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Maxima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Maxima (138 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Maxima should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 895 kg more than 2003 Nissan Maxima.
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 Nissan Maxima (181 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Maxima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 2003 Nissan Maxima has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Nissan Maxima will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | 2003 Nissan Maxima | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Jetta | Maxima |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 181 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2310 kg | 1415 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
