1988 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,478 cc (5 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 196 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2007 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, 1988 BMW M3 (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 1988 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2007 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2478 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 82.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 92.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
