Schomp Honda

Safety

Using vehicle speed sensors and seat sensors, smart airbags in the CR-Z deploy with different levels of force or don't deploy at all to help better protect passengers of all sizes in different collisions. The CR-Z's side airbags will shut off if a child is leaning against the door. The Jetta's side airbags don't have smart features and will always deploy full force.

 

Both the CR-Z and the Jetta have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, front-wheel drive, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

 

Warranty

 

There are over 65 percent more Honda dealers than there are Volkswagen dealers, which makes it much easier to get service under the CR-Z's warranty.

 

Reliability

 

The camshaft in the CR-Z's engine is driven by a hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs. The Jetta TDI's camshafts are driven by a rubber belt that needs periodic replacement. If the Jetta's cam drive belt breaks the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

 

J.D. Power and Associates' 2010 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Honda vehicles are better in initial quality than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Honda 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 40 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 31st, below the industry average.

 

J.D. Power and Associates' surveys of the owners of three-year-old cars provide the long-term dependability statistics that show that Honda vehicles are more reliable than Volkswagen vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Honda 7th in reliability, above the industry average. With 93 more problems per 100 vehicles, Volkswagen is ranked 34th.

 

Engine

 

The CR-Z's 1.5 SOHC 4 cyl. hybrid produces 7 more horsepower (122 vs. 115) than the Jetta S' standard 2.0 SOHC 4 cyl.

 

For more instantaneous acceleration and better engine flexibility in any gear, the CR-Z's engine produces its peak torque at lower RPM's than the Jetta:

	Torque
CR-Z 1.5 SOHC 4 cyl. hybrid	1000 RPM
Jetta S 2.0 SOHC 4 cyl.	4000 RPM
Jetta SE/SEL 2.5 DOHC 5 cyl.	4250 RPM

 

Fuel Economy and Range

 

On the EPA test cycle the CR-Z CVT gets better fuel mileage than the Jetta TDI SMG (35 city/39 hwy vs. 30 city/42 hwy).

 

Transmission

 

The CR-Z offers an optional continuously variable transmission (CVT). With no 'steps' between gears, it can keep the engine at the most efficient speed for fuel economy, or keep it at its peak horsepower indefinitely for maximum acceleration. The Jetta doesn't offer a CVT.

 

Brakes and Stopping

 

The Honda CR-Z has standard four-wheel disc brakes for better stopping power and improved directional control in poor weather. Rear drums are standard on the Jetta. Drums can heat up and make stops longer, especially with antilock brakes which work much harder than conventional brakes.

 

Tires and Wheels

 

The CR-Z's standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Jetta S' standard 65 series tires.

 

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the CR-Z has standard 16-inch wheels. Smaller 15-inch wheels are standard on the Jetta S.

 

Suspension and Handling

 

The CR-Z has standard front and rear stabilizer bars, which help keep the CR-Z flat and controlled during cornering. The Jetta's suspension doesn't offer a rear stabilizer bar.

 

The CR-Z has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Jetta doesn't offer variable-assist power steering.

 

For better maneuverability, the CR-Z's turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the Jetta's (35.4 feet vs. 36.4 feet).

 

Chassis

 

The CR-Z is 1 foot, 9.6 inches shorter than the Jetta, making the CR-Z easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

 

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the CR-Z has liquid-filled engine mounts. The liquid helps further dampen engine harshness. The Jetta uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

 

Cargo Capacity

 

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the CR-Z's hatch uses gas strut supported hinges that don't intrude into the cargo area. The Jetta's useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

 

Servicing Ease

 

A Maintenance Minder is standard on the CR-Z to save the owner time and money by calculating maintenance intervals for oil changes, spark plug replacement, air filter replacement, tire rotation, radiator flush and transmission fluid replacement based on actual driving conditions. This takes the guesswork out of keeping your vehicle in top condition and helps it last longer. Volkswagen doesn't offer a maintenance reminder on the Jetta.

 

Ergonomics

 

The CR-Z has a standard automatic headlight on/off feature. When the ignition is on, the headlights automatically turn on at dusk and off after dawn. The Jetta doesn't offer automatic headlights.

 

The CR-Z's optional rear view mirror has an automatic dimming feature. This mirror can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on it, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The Jetta doesn't offer the luxury of an automatic dimming rear view mirror.

 

The CR-Z's standard automatic temperature control maintains the temperature you set, automatically controlling fan speed, vents and temperature to maintain a consistent, comfortable environment. The Jetta doesn't offer automatic air conditioning.

 

With optional voice command, the CR-Z EX offers the driver hands free control of the radio, climate controls and the navigation computer by simply speaking. The Jetta doesn't offer a voice control system.

* [1]  Based on 2011 EPA mileage estimates. Use for comparison purposes only. Do not compare to models before 2008. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle.