1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be higher. At 3,960 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee (175 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 635 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Jeep Grand 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, 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee (301 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Golf |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3960 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1810 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1710 mm | 1450 mm |
