2008 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,246 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 234 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 BMW M3 weights approximately 255 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 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 2008 BMW M3. 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 M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW M3 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | M3 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3246 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 338 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 365 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 5.5 seconds | 11.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 3.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.1 L/100km | 4.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
