Passat vs Jetta pros/cons

I'm new here and am thinking of taking the plunge with a TDI soon (soon as I unload a pickup). I understand that Passats are not TDI after 1997. Other than age and milage what can you vetrans tell me about roominess, handling etc. I want both good and bad of Passat and Jetta. I am currently leaning toward a Passat wagon but they are hard to find.

Thanks

Bud

I have one of each (a 2001 Jetta TDI, and a 1996 Passat Wagon TDI).

I find that the Passat Wagon is unsurpassed in its versatility while achieving outstanding mileage.

The Jetta, however, is a heck of a lot more comfortable, handles better, and is more fun to drive...

Thanks for the info, the comfort/fun factor might tip the scales.

Bud, the MkIV cars are somewhat more refined when compared to the earlier cars. On the flip side, the earlier cars may be more reliable and are somewhat easier to work on. It's really tough to say one is "better" than the other.

I also have one of each...2002 Jetta and a 1996 Passat wagon. The Jetta is an automatic.
The Passat imho is the better handling car. But, you can really detect the refinement in the Jetta.
If you ever really need a back seat for adults for anything beyond 20 minutes, get a Passat, while the front seat passengers in a jetta will have a hard time believing your car is a diesel.
There, 2 cents worth.
Rodg

I also have 1 of each but my Jetta is a '98 or A3 or MkIII just to confuse you. Pros for the A3 compared to an A4, would be better reliability(although they are older), lighter so quicker(very fun chipped), quicker handling, a litte more trunk and maybe back seat room, simpler to work on and cheaper to buy and keep. Cons would be more road and engine noise than both the A4 and the Passat, older styling and less refined interior.

Good Luck

If it is room and versatility you are looking for......

One more person that has 1 of each.....
I echo the feelings of others who have posted in this thread.
Mine are both Tornado Red! and boy do I like that color!

[ January 28, 2003, 12:12: Message edited by: tomo366 ]

Hello Bud!

Welcome to the club. Little Diesel Mama has a B4 Passat TDI while I have a A4 Jetta TDI. The Passat is more roomy, but the Jetta is more refined inside and out. I have had more trouble out of the Passat than the Jetta. My advice would be to wait till the 4th quarter of this year and check out the new Passat TDI that is widely reported to be introduced. Even if you do not like it, or are unwilling to purchase a new vehicle, it should take some of the upward pricing pressure off of the B4 TDIs.

[ January 26, 2003, 18:50: Message edited by: Rob_from_Elkmont ]

I am "short-waisted" in clothing circles, which means I have a long torso from top of head to my butt. Sitting in a Jetta means my head engaging the ceiling ..... whereas sitting in my '97 Passat means some head clearance. The decision was EASY for me!

Mike .... Loving my '97 Passat TDI!

I have both and I barely drive my 02 jetta