2004 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 320 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (180 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 320 weights approximately 31 kg more than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 320 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 2012 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2012 BMW 320 (380 Nm) has 145 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. (235 Nm). This means 2012 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Volkswagen Jetta | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Jetta | 320 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 180 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 235 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1464 kg | 1495 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.6 L/100km | 3.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.8 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.7 L/100km | 4.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 57 L |
