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Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective

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sbachmeier

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Had my Passat wagon in for service today, so I spent a lot of time sitting in and evaluating the new Jetta. Then my sales contact told me there was a manual on the lot (he knows I only do manual transmissions), and his invitation to test drive was not refused.
I gotta say: this new Jetta really impresses me. The interior really doesn't feel that much smaller than my B5 Passat, and the quality of fit, finish, and materials is definitely Passatesque. The 2.5 motor feels a lot like my 1.8T, and the manual is surprisingly crisp. And the cupholders!
I guess I might consider "downgrading" from a Passat to a Jetta wagon, when they arrive...and if there's a manual TDI with Haldex in the offering, I'm all but sold!
 
#2 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (sbachmeier)

Thanks for your comments on the Passat vs. Jetta V comparisions. I'll be selling my 99 Passat GLS soon and am looking to get either a B5.5 Passat Wagon TDI (if they're still available in July) or a Jetta V TDI. I'm glad to hear that there isn't much difference in interior space between the Passat and Jetta V.
 
#3 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (sbachmeier)

that Jetta V probably made your Passat feel like a Buick Roadmaster, didn't it??
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c'mon - ADMIT it!
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Jetta V handling = sporty
B5 Passat handling = land barge

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EDIT: glad you were impressed though http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif encouraging to see how non-Jetta drivers take to the new Jetta V ...
P.S. you'll probably really enjoy the B6 Passat
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(chassis code "PQ46")- as it is said to be heavily based on the A5 (Jetta/Golf V - "PQ35") chassis...


Modified by MI_canuck at 3:25 PM 4-27-2005
 
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#4 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (sbachmeier)

A real person can sit behind a real person in the Jetta V, but the rear headroom is still tight when compared to the B5/5.5. The trunk is useable, but again not as much space as the current Passat. The content is far improved over the A4 model, ride is better and all in all feels like a mini Passat. But for $25K with few options (2.5 with package one - fully loaded gets closer to $30K) I would opt for a used B5.5 any day.
 
#5 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (ericb49)

I think at the same price, Passat is far more car.
The width in the rear seat, and the headroom, are definitely there on the Passat while lacking in the Jetta. Fold down the centre rear armrest on both and see for yourself.
If you guys can snatch up Passats for the same price as Jettas (which we can't do up here so much at all) then dang, go for it!
 
#6 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (sbachmeier)

Quote, originally posted by sbachmeier »
...and if there's a manual TDI with Haldex in the offering, I'm all but sold!

Judging how vw has done things in the past, you're better off waiting for the jetta with a pixie dust option.
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Discussion starter · #7 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (MI_canuck)

Quote, originally posted by MI_canuck »
that Jetta V probably made your Passat feel like a Buick Roadmaster, didn't it??
Image

c'mon - ADMIT it!
Image

Jetta V handling = sporty
B5 Passat handling = land barge

Well, I wouldn't go that far...but yes, the Jetta V (with that Mercedes-like flex-free body structure, and suspension components with about 70K miles less than my B5 Passat) did indeed feel more tossable on the short test drive. In the hands of a capable driver (me), the Passat is actually a pretty good handling vehicle for a family hauler. It has to be, to continuously dodge the gigantic potholes, herds of deer, and road construction barrels that are all too common here in Wisconsin, eh!
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#8 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (ericb49)

Quote, originally posted by ericb49 »
The trunk is useable

Huh!? Have you seen the trunk on the jetta v? It's huge, and I would suspect, bigger than most trunks in its class. Calling it 'useable' is a major understatement IMO.
 
#9 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (sicboy041)

Isn't it bigger than even the Accord's trunk? I'm pretty sure because I did research the numers a month or two ago. Research it yourself if you don't trust me.
It's a huge trunk. I don't know the numbers on the Passat trunk, but it can't be far off at all.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (mediumbluemetalic)

Subjectively, the Jetta V trunk seemed slightly less wide, but a bit deeper than that of the B5 Passat (sorry, I wasn't sporting a tape measure at the time). It's impresive.
 
#11 ·
I agree with bach. I have a 99 Passat, and my wife just got the new Jetta. We are very impressed with it as we compare it to the Passat. While I will probably go for the new Passat in Sept or Oct , I'd be a little tempted by a Jetta with a V6.
 
#12 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (sbachmeier)

Quote, originally posted by sbachmeier »
The 2.5 motor feels a lot like my 1.8T,

don't say that on the 1.8t or mk4 forums, they will try to string you up by your toenails
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I do agree though and, I rather like the 2.5. I am really waiting for a TDI Golf or Jetta wagon for our next vehicle. I can run it on B100, it will be my own personal 1 finger salute to the Enron/Haliburton administration
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#13 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (sbachmeier)

Quote, originally posted by sbachmeier »
Subjectively, the Jetta V trunk seemed slightly less wide, but a bit deeper than that of the B5 Passat (sorry, I wasn't sporting a tape measure at the time). It's impresive.

I seem to remember it is 1 cubic inch LARGER than the passat's.
 
Discussion starter · #15 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (DANBURY VW-PASSAT)

Quote, originally posted by DANBURY VW-PASSAT »
Sorry there will be no Jetta Wagon any more. We just were told this on Wed.

No Jetta V wagon from Puebla, or no Jetta V wagon period? I mean, if they still want to bring over a Jetta V wagon from Germany (like they do with the Jetta IV), that's certainly OK with me!
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#17 ·
I just saw a JettaV at the Albuquerque Car Show this weekend....the trunk was IMMENSE compared to the IV....I was impressed and really liked the car overall...now switching to purchasing a JettaV as opposed to the Passat!
 
#18 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (mediumbluemetalic)

Jedtta's trunk is 16 cubic feet compared to the current Passat's 15cubic feet and compared to the Accord's 14 cubic feet. The previous Jetta had a 13 cubic feet trunk. The jetta's trunk is by far the biggest of the compact cars it competes against. The next biggest, if I recall, is the Toyota Corolla at 13.6t cubic feet. If you compare it to the larger midsized cars (Altima 15.7, Mazda 6 15.2, Camry 16.7), only the Camry and the Malibu have larger trunks. The Jetta's V trunk is bigger than the Phaeton's, S class, or 7 series BMW, so it is big.
Enough said.
Dani
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#19 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (dankatz)

I think the bigger numbers on the Jetta V's trunk are due to it's height. Looking at it next to my wife's Passat it appears about the same depth, but not as wide as the Passat.
Rear seat room is bigger in the MKV than the MKIV, but is still not near the space (height and width) to someone like me (skinny 6'1") as the Passat's rear seats.
 
#20 ·
Re: Jetta test drive: from a Passat owner's perspective (sirAQUAMAN64)

Quote, originally posted by sirAQUAMAN64 »
I think at the same price, Passat is far more car.
The width in the rear seat, and the headroom, are definitely there on the Passat while lacking in the Jetta. Fold down the centre rear armrest on both and see for yourself.
If you guys can snatch up Passats for the same price as Jettas (which we can't do up here so much at all) then dang, go for it!

Same price?
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Here's an example.
2005 new Jetta V 2.5:
Automatic 6 spd Tiptronic Transmission-
Package I (everyone familiar with what comes on this car?)-
MSRP- $24,040
2005 VW Passat GLS 1.8T:
Automatic 5 spd Tiptronic Transmission-
Leatherette Interior-
MSRP- $26,030
I'm not following the idea of that the current VW Passat is more car than the new Jetta V. For $1,990 less you get more equipment on the new Jetta V, just about the same size car, larger trunk, and oh yeah, the equipment:
Yeah the Passat has the 1.8T engine, but the new Jetta has Dual Zone Climatronic AC, in dash 6 disc CD player (MP3 compatible), MFI functions that the current Passat doesn't have, etc. Need I say more?
Volkswagen is about Value. I'm not sure of another car that has all the equipment the new Jetta V has for $24,040 dollars or less. Let me know if there is one.
as thalter previously posted in another forum, "the most car for the money."
 
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