2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2002 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Corolla 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 81 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 390 kg more than 2002 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Corolla. (127 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Corolla. 2002 Toyota Corolla 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. 2002 Toyota Corolla will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 2002 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Toyota |
| Model | Jetta | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1398 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 127 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 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 | 1010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4390 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 50 L |
