2008 BMW 550 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 550. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 550 would be higher. At 4,800 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 190 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW 550 weights approximately 330 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 2008 BMW 550 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 2008 BMW 550. 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, 2008 BMW 550 (489 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 249 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 550 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | 550 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4800 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 489 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
