2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be higher. At 3,960 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee (195 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 316 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Jeep Grand Cherokee (312 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee 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. 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Jeep |
| Model | Jetta | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 3960 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 195 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1716 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 78 L |
