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With all due respect, VW owns Porsche, so it's still a Porsche engine under the hood.I'll answer this, specific part. Neither are better or worse than the other. They are simply two different spins on the same Jazz "platform". But this…
…is where some of us have different perceptions of what it means to be a "Jazz Bass". awilkie84 and I respectfully disagree here. I, like the people at Fender, use the term in regards to the body-type, not the electronics within. For me, it's like cars…even if a VW Beetle has a Porsche engine inside, it's still a Beetle. So as far as I'm concerned, my Blacktop Jazz is still a Jazz. It just happens to have a different "engine".
And speaking of Blacktop Jazzes, we both agree on the "ballsiness" of this bass. It's why I bought it! I have yet to try out a passive bass that is as ferocious as it. In fact, I just made a post about it on another thread. If you like what you hear, you might be able to find one used for close to your budget, or maybe just a little over it. (e.g.: this just popped up on Guitar Center's used database for $350+shipping)
With all due respect, VW owns Porsche, so it's still a Porsche engine under the hood.
I'm on my fifth VW, and for the record, I'd love to see a Porsche-engine-equipped Golf blow the doors off some kid's rattle-can-painted, awkwardly-fitted-oversized-spoiler-bearing Hyundai…because the looks on their faces is that special kind of "justice" that only comes 'round once a decade or so. 
I don't think you could get a boxer under the hood of a golf...too wide, I think.Of course I know that, silly goose!
If you've seen this…
…then you have. Nine pounds, two ounces (even with a chunky Hipshot Drop-D tuner installed), but perhaps I just lucked out.
I've tried both. I think I like both the sound and physical feel of the J.Aww c'mon, Man! You're inflicting way too much REALITY into my COMPLETELY LUDICROUS AND IMPOSSIBLE-TO-ACHIEVE FANTASIES!!
But anyway, back to Hypnotaize's original question.
I should also give a big ol' "+1" to any/all Classic Vibe suggestions. I grabbed a CV Jazz off Guitar Center's used database for an absolute steal earlier this year…it even came with a case, no less! Every now and then one will pop up for $250 or less + shipping (usually around $20).
Ultimately, I would strongly recommend a Jazz bass as your first full-scale instrument. Not JUST for it's tone and versatility…those will become concerns of yours once you're proficient enough and discover your own, unique tastes. I'm talking ergonomics. If you've been learning on a Bronco, it's probable you've started adjusting to a neck with a fairly-slim nut width. Most Fender/Squier Jazzes have the same width (1.5") and fretboard radius (how curvy it is…usually a 9.5" radius), just like the Bronco. The main difference, outside of specific building materials, is the longer neck and bigger body.
If you have access to a music store that carries both a Precision and Jazz (or Jaguar…same neck as a Jazz), see which feels more comfortable in your hands and while switching from string-to-string. Who knows…maybe a P-bass is more to your liking.
Perfectly valid opinion. I love the sound of the Jazz, the P-bass in different situations.Yeah, personally I'm more of a P person myself. All the clarity of the jazz neck but with no hum and a bit more bite to it. And personally, I've never been a huge fan of Jaco tones. A bass should be full and rich, not thin and nasally. Not to slander him as a player, but the tone does very little for me. Just one guy's opinion.
Link Removed
…nope, I lost it.
EDIT: I just know I'm going to Hell for this…and yer all comin' with me just for reading this!
