2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2001 Chevrolet Prizm
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Chevrolet Prizm would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 46 more horse power than 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. (124 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 310 kg more than 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. (169 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Chevrolet Prizm. 2001 Chevrolet Prizm has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Chevrolet Prizm will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 2001 Chevrolet Prizm | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Jetta | Prizm |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1794 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 169 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2470 mm |
