VW Jetta 2.5 vs. Volvo S40

I recently purchased a 2005 Volvo S40 2.4i. During my "shopping", I also looked and researched the new Jetta, as I had two (2) Jettas in the past and my experience with them was satisfactory. However, the new Jetta seemed to me to be an expensive copy of a Toyota Corolla, particularly when you looked to it from the rear. Further, the fully equipped Jetta was just a couple thousand dollars cheaper than the fully equipped Volvo S40. The price, the fact that the Jetta looks like a Corolla and the fact that a Volvo is more realiable than the VWs manufactured in Mexico (as is the case of the Jetta), where the ultimate factors in my decision to go with the Volvo. I don't regret it.

#3 of 28 Jetta Comparisons by hpmctorque

May 18, 2005 (3:29 pm)

The Jetta seems to be somewhat unique, in that it's relatively heavy for its size (similar to the larger Camry and Accord; it's been compared with the Corolla, in terms of size and outside appearance, yet is priced similarly or slightly higher than the Camry/Accord; the interior compares with near-luxury cars; the driving experience (from what I've read; I haven't driven one) is true to its European heritage, and, therefore, differentiated from its Asian competitors. Given these characteristics, what models (other than the S40) have those of you who have purchased a new Jetta 2.5, or are seriously considering one, cross shopped/shopping it against?

#4 of 28 Diesel and MP3 vs. Safety by gruxx

May 18, 2005 (4:57 pm)

I looked at the 2.5. Decided the S40/V50 would be a better fit. We priced the s40 we liked versus a package 2 jetta 2.5. and for a couple thousand more, we thought the s40/v50 had better lines, safety, and reliability than the mexican made jetta. We're worried from our friends bad experiences with the earlier mexican jettas ( I'm not saying Belgium is any better). I also felt cramped in the 2.5, but the v50 felt cozy (and where is that jetta wagon, 2007?).

The new dual shifting gearbox on the 2L TDI engine is a pretty neat trick (45mpg!), and that plus the MP3 in dash on the jetta makes me crave it (vs.) where is that diesel engine and where is the ipod or AUX on the s40? Although I'm still holding out that the euro will rebound, and the new passat will be a little more my style and price range. The german site vw.de has some nice stuff on the new passat and it borrows a lot of the jettas new features, lines and engines.

I like the simplified packages on the jetta, and wish the slimmed MY06 s40 packages had a similar desire for the making the moonroof more standard... but I digress...

I wish both had more use of LEDs in the rear brake lights and that both had more room... But the T-Tec seats are so much nicer than the leatherette, which I felt both were better than the leather seats.

I have a DVD of the jetta with Joe Patiliano (Matrix/Sopranos) but that also didn't make me want a 2.5. I'd go with the swedes.

#5 of 28 Maybe VW should have brought Skoda over instead of the Jetta by 600kgolfgt

May 19, 2005 (4:22 am)

http://www.whatcar.co.uk/News_SpecialReport.asp?NA_ID=214562&EL_ID=3121185

#6 of 28 Jetta no comparison by bons

May 22, 2005 (11:53 am)

The first thing VW has to do is build better and more reliable cars before they hike the price. Secondly, make sure your design doesn't resemble any cheaper car (Corolla) in the market. I don't think VW Jetta is on the shopping list of many Volvo S40 buyers. Jetta is more likely to be on Camry/Accord/Civic buyers shopping list. Not all cars in the same price range are comparable.

Replies to this message:

greggor (May 23, 2005 6:46 am)

#7 of 28 Re: Jetta no comparison [bons] by greggor

May 23, 2005 (6:46 am)

Replying to: bons (May 22, 2005 11:53 am)

I'd have to agree with bons on this one, I don't think you can compare these 2 cars. From class to quality of parts...you just can't compare them.

#8 of 28 Greg: by jrosasmc

May 23, 2005 (9:09 am)

So you believe that the S40 is built to a much higher quality standard than the Jetta 2.5? (I do too)

Replies to this message:

greggor (May 23, 2005 10:31 am)
- tjones1 (Sep 07, 2005 9:15 pm)

#9 of 28 Re: Greg: [jrosasmc] by greggor

May 23, 2005 (10:31 am)

Replying to: jrosasmc (May 23, 2005 9:09 am)

Yes. In no way am I knocking the Jetta, as I think it is a decent car for the money. But in terms of quality and performance, I don't think one could compare the S40 and the Jetta fairly.

Replies to this message:

tjones1 (Sep 07, 2005 9:15 pm)

#10 of 28 Too Early To Know by hpmctorque

May 23, 2005 (1:23 pm)

Isn't it premature to judge the quality of the recently introduced Jetta 2.5, since it's a new generation Jetta?

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