2019 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2019 BMW 3 Series
Overview | |
MSRP$18,745 | MSRP$40,250 |
Average price$15,942 | Average price$24,629 |
Listings1169 | Listings219 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.2 out of 10 |
Pros
| |
2019 Volkswagen Jetta Reviews SummarySmall cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience. But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans. So Volkswagen had some work to do with the new seventh-generation 2019 Jetta. Will this new car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or will it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? | |
2019 BMW 3 Series Reviews SummarySince 1975, the BMW 3 Series has defined what a small, sporty sedan should be. In its seventh generation, the 3 is very much in the zone it created. It’s trim and athletic, handsome yet stoic, and above all, unashamed to raise its premium name on a pedestal. Unfortunately for BMW, lots of other car companies have copied its sport sedan recipe—sometimes for the better, and often for less money. But for 2019, BMW ups its software game like none other. And it helps that the new car surrounding that software is still pretty good. | |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive TrainFWD | Drive TrainRWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City30 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway36 |
Engine | |
Engine Name1.4L 147 hp I4 | Engine Name2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | Torque295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm |
Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm | Horsepower255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainFWD | DrivetrainRWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City30 | MPG City26 |
MPG Highway40 | MPG Highway36 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall4 | Front Crash Overall |
Side Crash Overall5 | Side Crash Overall |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.1 cu ft | Cargo Space13.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight2959 lbs | Curb Weight3589 lbs |
Height57.4 in | Height56.8 in |
Length185.1 in | Length185.7 in |
Width70.8 in | Width81.4 in |
Wheelbase105.7 in | Wheelbase112.2 in |
Maximum Payload970 lbs | Maximum Payload |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $18,745 | $40,250 |
Average price | $15,942 | $24,629 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.6 | 5.0 |
Expert reviews | 8.2 out of 10Read full review | 8.2 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | Pros
| |
Summary | Small cars aren't asked to do much beyond the basics: provide efficient, reliable transportation at a manageable price. Plenty of models fit this form, and in some rare cases, they manage to do it while also being fun to drive, like the Mazda3. In other cases, the vehicle manages to feel more upscale than the competition, like the Honda Civic. But the Volkswagen Jetta's legacy has historically been defined by its ability to offer both an upscale interior and a rewarding driving experience. But then something happened with the Jetta. Starting with the 2011 model year, Volkswagen attempted to broaden the Jetta's appeal, and until 2018 we were left with a drab interior, an underpowered engine, and an uninspiring driving experience. VW’s hallmark was always that its cars felt a little special, so by adopting a homogenous look and feel, VW removed what made the Jetta unique and desirable to its fans. So Volkswagen had some work to do with the new seventh-generation 2019 Jetta. Will this new car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or will it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? | Since 1975, the BMW 3 Series has defined what a small, sporty sedan should be. In its seventh generation, the 3 is very much in the zone it created. It’s trim and athletic, handsome yet stoic, and above all, unashamed to raise its premium name on a pedestal. Unfortunately for BMW, lots of other car companies have copied its sport sedan recipe—sometimes for the better, and often for less money. But for 2019, BMW ups its software game like none other. And it helps that the new car surrounding that software is still pretty good. |
Video | ||
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Drive Train | FWD | RWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 30 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 36 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 1.4L 147 hp I4 | 2.0L 255 hp I4 |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 1450 rpm |
Horsepower | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm | 255 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | FWD | RWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 30 | 26 |
MPG Highway | 40 | 36 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.1 cu ft | 13.0 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 2959 lbs | 3589 lbs |
Height | 57.4 in | 56.8 in |
Length | 185.1 in | 185.7 in |
Width | 70.8 in | 81.4 in |
Wheelbase | 105.7 in | 112.2 in |
Maximum Payload | 970 lbs | |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
By: CarGurus + AI
This car comparison has been created with using generative AI. It is based entirely on CarGurus expert review content, ratings and data, and leverages our extensive library of hands-on product tests to create thousands of unique comparisons to help shoppers choose the right car.