2008 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2011 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2011 Nissan Frontier is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Frontier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 157 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2011 Nissan Frontier 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 2011 Nissan Frontier. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2011 Nissan Frontier (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Frontier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 2011 Nissan Frontier has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Nissan Frontier will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | 2011 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Nissan |
| Model | Jetta | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 5580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1880 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 80 L |
