2008 Kia Sportage 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 Kia Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Kia Sportage 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 31 more horse power than 2008 Kia Sportage. (139 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2008 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Kia Sportage weights approximately 142 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Kia Sportage. (184 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Kia Sportage. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2008 Kia Sportage has manual transmission. 2008 Kia Sportage will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Kia Sportage | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Kia | Volkswagen |
| Model | Sportage | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1974 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 184 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4360 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1740 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 58 L | 55 L |
