2003 BMW 520 vs. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 520. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 520 would be higher. At 2,171 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 520 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (200 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2003 BMW 520. (167 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2003 BMW 520.
Because 2003 BMW 520 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 2003 BMW 520. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 BMW 520. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 BMW 520. 2003 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2010 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 520 | 2010 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 520 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2171 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 167 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4554 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1458 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.7 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
