1988 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle

To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Jeep Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Jeep Cherokee would be higher. At 2,068 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) has 26 more horse power than 1988 Jeep Cherokee. (88 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle should accelerate faster than 1988 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 220 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.

Because 1988 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Jeep Cherokee 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, 1988 Jeep Cherokee (180 Nm @ 2250 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1988 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle has automatic transmission and 1988 Jeep Cherokee has manual transmission. 1988 Jeep Cherokee will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Volkswagen Beetle will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1988 Jeep Cherokee 2009 Volkswagen Beetle
Make Jeep Volkswagen
Model Cherokee Beetle
Year Released 1988 2009
Body Type SUV Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2068 cc 1984 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 88 HP 114 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 2400 RPM
Torque 180 Nm 170 Nm
Torque RPM 2250 RPM 2400 RPM
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 82.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 89 mm 92.8 mm
Fuel Type Diesel Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1450 kg 1230 kg
Vehicle Length 4300 mm 4090 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1630 mm 1500 mm
Wheelbase Size 2580 mm 2510 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 76 L 55 L