2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2013 BMW 5 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 5 Series is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2012 Volkswagen Jetta would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 BMW 5 Series is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW 5 Series (296 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 5 Series should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 5 Series weights approximately 705 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 2013 BMW 5 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 5 Series. 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, 2013 BMW 5 Series (407 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 5 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2013 BMW 5 Series 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. 2013 BMW 5 Series will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 2013 BMW 5 Series | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Jetta | 5 Series |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 296 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2105 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4999 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 2132 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1559 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 3070 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 11.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
