2012 BMW Z4 vs. 2012 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, both 2012 BMW Z4 and 2012 Volkswagen Jetta were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW Z4 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW Z4 weights approximately 190 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 2012 BMW Z4 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 2012 BMW Z4. 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, 2012 BMW Z4 (406 Nm @ 1400 RPM) has 166 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 BMW Z4 | 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | BMW | Volkswagen |
| Model | Z4 | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3000 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 300 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 406 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1400 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4239 mm | 4644 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1791 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1482 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2497 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 12.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
