2008 Volvo S80 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volvo S80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volvo S80 would be higher. At 2,521 cc (5 cylinders), 2008 Volvo S80 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volvo S80 (197 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 27 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volvo S80 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volvo S80 weights approximately 153 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volvo S80 (300 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2008 Volvo S80 has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Volvo S80 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Volvo | Volkswagen |
| Model | S80 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2521 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1553 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
