2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2011 Volvo S80
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Volvo S80. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Volvo S80 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volvo S80 weights approximately 359 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Because 2011 Volvo S80 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Volvo S80 will offer significantly more control. 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 Volvo S80 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2011 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2011 Volvo S80 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 Volvo S80 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 2011 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volvo |
| Model | Jetta | S80 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 0 HP |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1759 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1864 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1483 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 67 L |
