2003 BMW 530 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW 530 would be higher. At 2,993 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW 530 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW 530 (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW 530 weights approximately 270 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 2003 BMW 530 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 530. 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, 2003 BMW 530 (501 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2003 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW 530 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 530 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2993 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 501 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Top Speed | 245 km/hour | 190 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.1 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1670 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 5.5 L/100km | 3.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.5 L/100km | 5.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.9 L/100km | 4.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
