2008 Jaguar XK 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 Jaguar XK. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Jaguar XK would be higher. At 4,196 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jaguar XK (410 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 240 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jaguar XK weights approximately 385 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 Jaguar XK 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 Jaguar XK. 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 Jaguar XK (560 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jaguar XK | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Jaguar | Volkswagen |
| Model | XK | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4196 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 410 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 560 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 71 L | 55 L |
