2003 Jetta GLI VR6 versus Maxima SE gen 5.5

Both six speeds.

Is this an easy nod in the direction of the Maxima or does the Jetta have any advantages?

 

If it's the one I'm thinking of, it's a mid-15s car...you should beat it but don't make any mistakes.

 

I wouldn't waste the gas on a POS Jetta, fast or slow.

btw, IBTL.

 

The Max would beat it starting in 3rd gear.
Not to mention you'll be in the shop getting repairs for the Jetta every week.

IBTL

 

I think hes trying to buy a Jetta vs Maxima... well problem is VW has major quality controll issues going on. My cousin has a 1.8T GLI 6spd Jetta, and its got like 3K miles. He needs a new MAF, and is expecting other stuff to go soon too. Hes a VW tech at a local VW dealer so its not a biggie for him. But he used to be hardcore bout VWs and now hes like funk that... his 89 Taurus SHO with 200K miles runs better than his 03 GLI. As far as speed goes.... VR6 engines of the past where nice- especially in a lightweight A2 or A1 chassis... the A4 chassis is made in 4 diff countries, if you happen go get a German made VW its going to last quite a bit. Mexican made VWs are just POS.

 

If the factory 2 yr 24k mile warranty is an advantage, then yes.
Pass.

 

If you do get the Jetta, get the smaller turbo engine. You can easily mod it to make it super-fast. It already has a stock turbo and an engine that was designed for boost. For $3000 you can buy a larger turbo, new chip, bigger fuel pump, injectors and 2.5" exhaust and get that baby up to 300HP in a hurry! And you can go up to much higher horsepower than that if you are willing to make a few engine modifications.

The VR6 can't be modded as easily, and much like the maxima, you can't add more than a few pounds of boost without risking the engine.

I have a friend with a fricken *Beetle* for crying out loud and with less than $3,000 (doing his own installs) he has pumped that thing up to 300 HP at the wheels (dynoed!). It's the same engine as the Jetta, but the Jetta is MUCH easier to work on because of the less-cramped engine bay. I've driven in his car and I hate to say it but it puts my Naturally Aspirated maxima to shame! And it's a fricken BEETLE! Almost embarrassing!

To get the same HP out of a maxima will cost you much more money and risks much more damage to the engine since it was not designed for boost.

Of course, the maxima is larger car and will more comfortably carry 4 passengers than the Jetta and has other advantages too.

 

Thank you all for the help.

Your responses have echoed what I have heard from others.

I may be joining the ranks soon.