1986 BMW M5 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 BMW M5. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 BMW M5 would be higher. At 3,428 cc (6 cylinders), 1986 BMW M5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 BMW M5 (218 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1986 BMW M5 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 BMW M5 weights approximately 119 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1986 BMW M5 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1986 BMW M5. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1986 BMW M5 (310 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1986 BMW M5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 1986 BMW M5 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 BMW M5 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 BMW M5 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M5 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1986 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3428 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 218 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1519 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 120 L | 55 L |
