2003 BMW M3 vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,168 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (342 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 BMW M3 weights approximately 161 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 M3 (350 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 BMW M3 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3168 cc | 2479 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 342 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1224 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.4 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
