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 (170 HP) has 66 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP) 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 127 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, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Forester. (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Forester.
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 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1497 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 64 L |
