Which would you rather? Volvo S40 or Volkswagen Jetta?

So let's say you're a fan of European cars. You want a 4-door but a 3-series/C-Class/A4 is just slightly out of your budget. You've got $30,000 to spend. Do you go for the Jetta or the S40.

Let's look at the specs.

Jetta Highline
Price: $29,075
Engine: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder (200hp, 207lb/ft)
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Pro: Fully loaded with leather interior, Bluetooth, 10-speaker stereo, and a power sunroof
Con: Like many VWs' I wonder how many times you'd have to replace the headlights?
Interesting Tidbit: All VWs include a 144 month (12-year), unlimited distance corrosion perforation warranty

S4o
Price: $28,995
Engine: 2.4L 5-cylinder (168hp, 170lb/ft)
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Pro: Best front seats on the market
Con: 16" steel wheels with wheel covers, unless you move up to the 35K premium model
Interesting Tidbit: It's built in Ghent, Belgium

A base S40 vs. a fully loaded Jetta seems like a no-brainer to me. What say you?

Comments

[Jarrett]

I have to take the Jetta as well. The Volvo i hear have a lot of reliability problems

[Chris]

Volvo. It has the same 144 month corrosion warranty. I've driven both back to back. I just prefer the Volvo. It feels more premium. I don't care that it has steel wheels and covers. The stock wheels can be replaced easily enough.

[Kevin]

Yeah those steel wheels and hubcaps just mean that you'll have something to use for winter. I love both but I think the Volvo would get my vote, simply because it's more quirky and I have a soft spot for quirky cars

[BernardP]

Loaded Jetta with 2.0 Turbo vs. stripper S40 with naturally aspirated engine? Jetta all the way.

But the Jetta is very expensive when compared to the Passat. The Passat Comfortline 2.0T for 31,0 k$ is the best deal in VW's lineup, and it's made in Germany, not in Mexico.

[Emro]

tough choice for me... i much prefer the S40's styling, but the 2.0T in the Jetta is such a sweet engine... just not sure i could stand walking up to it everyday

[Joebin]

Jetta has a headight bulb problem? Really ? I work at a VW dealer, it's not the bulbs fault it's the electrical system behind it. If you buy a car that has a built in light to let you know that a bulb is out stay away. And I don't mean the fast blinking flasher lights, an actual light on the dashboard. My choice Passat 2.0t.

[quirkycars]

You call a Volvo S40 "Quirky". You need to get out more. ;)
http://www.quirkycars.net