2006 Dodge Ram vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 8,276 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Ram (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 330 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Dodge Ram weights approximately 913 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 2006 Dodge Ram 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 2006 Dodge Ram. 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, 2006 Dodge Ram (713 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 473 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Ram | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ram | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8276 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 713 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2313 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5170 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2040 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1900 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3070 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 15.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 26.1 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
