2008 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan Altima would be higher. At 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 323 kg more than 2008 Nissan Altima.
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, 2008 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 110 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Nissan Altima | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Altima | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3490 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 270 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1077 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 55 L |
