2008 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 Volkswagen GTI
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI (232 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen GTI should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen GTI weights approximately 51 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 Volkswagen GTI. 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 Volkswagen GTI (300 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen GTI 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 Volkswagen GTI | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jetta | GTI |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2480 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1401 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.1 L/100km | 6.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.7 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
