Comparative Automotive Research has identified no less than 30 advantages that the Volkswagen Jetta SportWagon has over the BMW 3 Series Sports Wagon.

Engine

The Jetta SportWagen (2.5L S, 2.5L SE, 2.5L SE w/Sunroof) utilizes more effective multi-port fuel injection system than the 3 Series Sports Wagon, which uses electronic fuel injection system. The multi-port fuel injection system allows for more precise control of the fuel mixture providing the Jetta SportWagen with improved engine response, increased fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Transmission

The Standard adaptive automatic transmission in the Jetta SportWagen (2.5L SE, 2.5L SE w/Sunroof) is a computer-controlled system that automatically adapts response and performance according to driving styles and road conditions. For example, the system selects optimal shift points and determines the proper gear necessary to climb steep grades or drive downhill. This type of transmission is Optional in the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

The Jetta SportWagen (2.5L SE, 2.5L SE w/Sunroof) has a Standard manually interactive automatic transmission. This type of automatic transmission gives the driver complete gear control, like a manually-shifted transmission, but without the inconvenient clutch. The type of transmission is Optional in the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

Powertrain Warranty

Volkswagen's powertrain warranty offers better coverage than the BMW's. This warranty covers most of the parts that make the car move such as the engine, transmission, and drive axles.

			Powertrain Warranty Months		Powertrain Warranty Miles
	Jetta SportWagen		60		60000
	3 Series Sports Wagon		48		50000

Cost to Own

The base MSRP on the Jetta SportWagen is less than the base MSRP on the 3 Series Sports Wagon as shown in the table below.

			Base Price MSRP
	Jetta SportWagen 2.5L S		20,195
	Jetta SportWagen 2.5L SE		24,210
	Jetta SportWagen 2.0L TDI		25,540
	Jetta SportWagen 2.5L SE w/Sunroof		25,960
	Jetta SportWagen 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof		27,290
	Jetta SportWagen 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav		28,120
	3 Series Sports Wagon 328i		37,500
	3 Series Sports Wagon 328i xDrive		39,500

Airbags

Both the Jetta SportWagen and the 3 Series Sports Wagon feature Standard driver and passenger air bags.

General Safety

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, longer vehicles can protect you better in both single and multiple-vehicle crashes because they have longer crumple zones, which can reduce damage to the internal safety cage and spread the crash forces. The Jetta SportWagen is longer than the 3 Series Sports Wagon, 179.4 in. vs. 178.6 in.

The Jetta SportWagen features the following available engine drive types, shown by trim:

			Driveline
	Jetta SportWagen		FWD
	3 Series Sports Wagon		RWD

Wheel locks are special lug nuts that serve to deter wheel theft by requiring a 'key' for installation and removal. They are Standard equipment on the Jetta SportWagen (2.0L TDI, 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof, 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav, 2.5L SE, 2.5L SE w/Sunroof) but are Not Available on the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

Interior Space

The Jetta SportWagen has more interior space than the 3 Series Sports Wagon in the following areas:

			Head Room, Rear		Leg Room, Rear
	Jetta SportWagen		38.1 in.		35.5 in.
	3 Series Sports Wagon		38.0 in.		34.6 in.

Cargo Space

The Jetta SportWagen has 32.8 cu. ft. of cargo volume compared to 24.8 cu. ft. in the 3 Series Sports Wagon. The additional cargo space means more room to store and transport packages, luggage, etc.

The Standard second row split seat allows Jetta SportWagen owners the flexibility for both storage and passenger seating. A second row split seat is Not Available in the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

Chassis

The 'track' (distance between the wheels), of the Jetta SportWagen is greater than that of the 3 Series Sports Wagon. A wider track produces better handling and a more stable ride.

			Track, Front
	Jetta SportWagen		60.7 in.
	3 Series Sports Wagon		59.1 in.

The Jetta SportWagen is narrower than the 3 Series Sports Wagon, 70.1 in. vs. 71.5 in., so it will be easier to maneuver and park, especially in tight parking spaces.

Wheels and Tires

The Jetta SportWagen (2.0L TDI w/Sunroof, 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav, 2.5L SE w/Sunroof) comes standard with lower profile, 45 series tires (height to width ratio), which may provide better handling than the 55 series tires standard on the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

The Jetta SportWagen comes with a Standard full-size spare tire, a safer alternative to smaller temporary spares. In contrast, a full-size spare is Not Available on the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

Additional Features

With a Standard multi-adjustable power driver seat, the Jetta SportWagen lets drivers customize their seating position for maximum comfort and performance. This type of seat is Optional in the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

The Standard multi-adjustable power passenger seat in the Jetta SportWagen allows the front seat passenger to customize their seating position for maximum comfort. Multi-adjustable power passenger seats are Optional in the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

A heated front seat is Standard in the Jetta SportWagen, providing additional comfort in very cold weather. This feature is Optional in the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

The Jetta SportWagen 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav features a Standard navigational aid system, providing maps, driving directions and location assistance. A navigation system is Optional in the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

An integrated window antenna is Standard on the Jetta SportWagen, providing both good reception and resistance to theft and damage. This type of antenna is Not Available on the 3 Series Sports Wagon.

The Jetta SportWagen (2.0L TDI, 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof, 2.0L TDI w/Sunroof/Nav, 2.5L SE, 2.5L SE w/Sunroof) has a Standard compass that helps drivers determine their geographic direction. A compass is Optional in the 3 Series Sports Wagon.