2008 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Subaru Forester would be higher. At 2,501 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Subaru Forester (173 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 25 kg more than 2008 Subaru Forester.
Because 2008 Subaru Forester is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Subaru Forester will offer significantly more control. 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 (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Subaru Forester. (225 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Subaru Forester. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2008 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2008 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Subaru | Volkswagen |
| Model | Forester | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2501 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1375 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1660 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.7 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.8 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 55 L |
