Honda Accord vs. VW Jetta

In a clash of imports, we feature two best selling cars in the US, namely, Europe’s Volkswagen Jetta against Asia’s Japanese brand, the Honda Accord.

One is known for its upscale features, while the other is known for its all-around reliability and practicality. Read further to find out which one gives the best value for your money.

We focus only on the entry level trims for both cars, starting with the Honda Accord LX. It has a 2.4L inline-4 engine, which produces 177 horsepower at 6,500rpm, yet has a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for both city and highway driving. In terms of curb weight, the Accord LX weighs in at 3230 lbs., and is supported by 16-inch alloy wheels, wrapped in 215/60 All-Season tires. At a price of $21,765, this base model Accord would seem to be a winner, although you’ll be surprised to find out what the other car has to offer.

Knowing that the compact and mid-size sedan segments are hotly contested markets, the folks at Volkswagen came up with other ideas to outsmart the competition. It begins with the pricing, and for the base Jetta S, prices start at just $17,515, give or take a few hundred. Although classified as a compact sedan, the Jetta’s size is closer to that of the mid-sized sedan category, weighing in at 3230 lbs. for the MT version, and 3285 lbs. for the auto shifter. Its weight is supported by size 205/55 tires, on 16-inch alloy rims.

Under the hood, it has a capable 2.5L I5, 20 valve engine, with a horsepower rating of 170, achieved at just 5700 rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg combined, for both city and highway driving.

Quite surprisingly, there are certain similarities between the cars, such as 4-wheel ABS on ventilated disc brakes, a standard 5-speed manual transmission gearbox, and front-wheel drivetrain. However, in levels of refinement, both cars are worlds apart. Things get a bit more upscale, more competitive and pricier as you go up the different trim levels. The Accord offers three different trim levels, namely, the base LX, the upgraded EX, and the top of the line EX-L, which offers premium features, such as leather upholstery and an optional navigation system.

Meanwhile, the Jetta is available in 10 trims, ranging from the base S to the revolutionary TDI, which is equipped with a standard 2.0-liter, inline-4 turbo diesel engine, that achieves a mind boggling 30mpg in the city, and 41mpg on the highway. Even the base Jetta S comes with amenities like stability control, heated seats, and eight-way-adjustable heated front seats with power recline.

So which car has the best value for your money? Don’t play dumb ’cause it’s pretty obvious now, isn’t it?

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