2021 Volkswagen Jetta vs 2021 BMW 5 Series
Overview | |
MSRP$54,200 | MSRP$18,995 |
Average price$43,912 | Average price$24,081 |
Listings16 | Listings276 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 | Expert reviews8.0 out of 10 |
2021 BMW 5 Series Reviews SummaryBMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout. Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better. That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes. The 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment. | |
2021 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 seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 248 hp I4 | Engine1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Drive TrainRWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City25 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway39 |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 248 hp I4 | Engine Name1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Torque257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | Torque184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm |
Horsepower248 hp @ 5200 rpm | Horsepower147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
DrivetrainRWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
MPG City25 | MPG City29 |
MPG Highway33 | MPG Highway39 |
Interior | |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemStandard | Navigation System |
Sunroof/MoonroofStandard | Sunroof/Moonroof |
Safety | |
Front Crash Overall | Front Crash Overall4 |
Side Crash Overall | Side Crash Overall5 |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space14.0 cu ft | Cargo Space14.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight3765 lbs | Curb Weight2965 lbs |
Height58.2 in | Height57.6 in |
Length195.8 in | Length185.1 in |
Width83.7 in | Width70.8 in |
Wheelbase117.1 in | Wheelbase105.7 in |
Maximum Payload800 lbs | Maximum Payload882 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
MSRP | $54,200 | $18,995 |
Average price | $43,912 | $24,081 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | 4.7 | 4.5 |
Expert reviews | 8.0 out of 10Read full review | 8.0 out of 10Read full review |
Pros & cons | ||
Summary | BMW was once known for sports sedans, and the 5 Series was one of the most prolific of those sedans. Sitting between the 3 Series and 7 Series in size and price, previous generations of 5 Series were known for a balance of performance and luxury, with impeccable engineering throughout. Today, the BMW 5 Series is largely irrelevant. The 3 Series is now so big that there is less reason to upgrade, and most buyers are more interested in SUVs anyway. The competition—including the Audi A6, Jaguar XF, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and Volvo S90—has also gotten better. That doesn’t mean BMW has given up on the 5 Series. The current generation (codename G30) arrived for the 2017 model year, but it gets a midcycle refresh (or LCI, short for “Life Cycle Impulse,” in BMW speak) for 2021. Major updates include a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, a bigger infotainment touchscreen, and subtle styling changes. The 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan is not like the 5 Series models of old. That may drive away hardcore car fans, but the 2021 model makes a strong case to new-car buyers, maintaining sportier-than-average driving dynamics, along with the tech and luxury features expected of a car in this segment. | 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 seventh-generation Jetta, which launched in 2019. Does this car move the Jetta name back toward driving refinement and upscale feel? Or does it continue to disappoint as just another bland entrant among small cars? |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 248 hp I4 | 1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Drive Train | RWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
MPG City | 25 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 39 |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 248 hp I4 | 1.4L 147 hp I4 |
Torque | 257 lb-ft @ 1500 rpm | 184 lb-ft @ 1400 rpm |
Horsepower | 248 hp @ 5200 rpm | 147 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Drivetrain | RWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
MPG City | 25 | 29 |
MPG Highway | 33 | 39 |
Interior | ||
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Standard | |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Standard | |
Safety | ||
Front Crash Overall | 4 | |
Side Crash Overall | 5 | |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 14.0 cu ft | 14.1 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3765 lbs | 2965 lbs |
Height | 58.2 in | 57.6 in |
Length | 195.8 in | 185.1 in |
Width | 83.7 in | 70.8 in |
Wheelbase | 117.1 in | 105.7 in |
Maximum Payload | 800 lbs | 882 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |
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