1985 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 BMW X5
To start off, 2012 BMW X5 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW X5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X5 (304 HP @ 440 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (109 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 should accelerate faster than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X5 weights approximately 1259 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW X5 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X5 will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2012 BMW X5 (600 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 444 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta. 2012 BMW X5 has automatic transmission and 1985 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 BMW X5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | 2012 BMW X5 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Jetta | X5 |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1779 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 109 HP | 304 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 440 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 188 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 926 kg | 2185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4857 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1670 mm | 1933 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1776 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2933 mm |
