2007 BMW 120 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2007 BMW 120. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2007 BMW 120 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2007 BMW 120. (154 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2007 BMW 120. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 44 kg more than 2007 BMW 120. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 BMW 120 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 2007 BMW 120. 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, 2007 BMW 120 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 90 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2007 BMW 120 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2007 BMW 120 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2007 BMW 120 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 BMW 120 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 120 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1995 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 154 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1440 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
