2008 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Subaru Forester is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Subaru Forester (145 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Subaru Forester should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Subaru Forester weights approximately 180 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 2012 Subaru Forester is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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 Subaru Forester (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | 2012 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Subaru |
| Model | Jetta | Forester |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.5 seconds | 10.3 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.4 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
