2008 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 Chevrolet Impala
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 4 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Impala (300 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chevrolet Impala weights approximately 217 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Chevrolet Impala. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 Chevrolet Impala (355 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Impala will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | 2012 Chevrolet Impala | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Chevrolet |
| Model | Jetta | Impala |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1396 kg | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1491 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2807 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
