2012 Dodge Ram vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Dodge Ram. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Dodge Ram would be higher. At 5,700 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 252 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Ram weights approximately 912 kg more than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Dodge Ram 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 Dodge Ram. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 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 Dodge Ram (551 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 231 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. 2012 Dodge Ram has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Dodge Ram will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Dodge Ram | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Ram | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Pickup | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5700 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 551 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 2346 kg | 1434 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5817 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2017 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1877 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3569 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 6.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 55 L |
