2012 Volkswagen Jetta vs. 2013 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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 2,500 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Jetta is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (252 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 108 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 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf 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, 2013 Volkswagen Golf (329 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 89 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2013 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Jetta | 2013 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Volkswagen |
| Model | Jetta | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 329 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4250 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | 5-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1508 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4644 mm | 4212 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1778 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1482 mm | 1461 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2651 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 7.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 10.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 55 L |
