2008 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 Hyundai Sonata
To start off, 2012 Hyundai Sonata 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 2,480 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Hyundai Sonata (198 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Hyundai Sonata should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Hyundai Sonata weights approximately 84 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 Hyundai Sonata. 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 Hyundai Sonata (249 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Hyundai Sonata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has automatic transmission and 2012 Hyundai Sonata has manual transmission. 2012 Hyundai Sonata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | 2012 Hyundai Sonata | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Hyundai |
| Model | Jetta | Sonata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 2400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 198 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1834 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2794 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.3 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
