2011 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 1996 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (105 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 374 kg more than 1996 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (135 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla. 1996 Toyota Corolla has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | 1996 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Jetta | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1587 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4557 mm | 4280 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2470 mm |
