2011 Nissan Pathfinder vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Nissan Pathfinder would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 670 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.
Because 2011 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2011 Nissan Pathfinder. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2011 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 150 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder 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. 2011 Nissan Pathfinder will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Nissan Pathfinder | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Nissan | Volkswagen |
| Model | Pathfinder | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 266 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 390 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2070 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4884 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1849 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1834 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2850 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.7 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 55 L |
