2008 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 Kia Soul
To start off, 2012 Kia Soul 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 1,984 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2012 Kia Soul. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 2012 Kia Soul. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 210 kg more than 2012 Kia Soul. 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 Kia Soul. 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Soul. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Soul.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | 2012 Kia Soul | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Kia |
| Model | Jetta | Soul |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1396 kg | 1186 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5180 mm | 4120 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
