2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2012 BMW 520
To start off, both 2012 Volkswagen Jetta and 2012 BMW 520 were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 520 (182 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 520 should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 520 weights approximately 270 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 520 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 520. 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 520 (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. 2012 BMW 520 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. 2012 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 2012 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Volkswagen | BMW |
| Model | Jetta | 520 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 7.1 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
