2009 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 3 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 3 Series (238 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 677 kg more than 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2013 BMW 3 Series. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 2013 BMW 3 Series has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 BMW 3 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Jetta | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1967 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 320 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 10.2 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2307 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 2031 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 5.7 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 7.8 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 60 L |
