1988 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 20 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 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 170 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, 2008 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 185 km/hour |
| 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 | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
