1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit
To start off, 1997 Jeep Cherokee is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit would be higher. At 2,464 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jeep Cherokee (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (72 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 585 kg more than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 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, 1997 Jeep Cherokee (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 73 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. (122 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit. 1997 Jeep Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit has manual transmission. 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Jeep Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1997 Jeep Cherokee | 1981 Volkswagen Rabbit | |
Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
Model | Cherokee | Rabbit |
Year Released | 1997 | 1981 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2464 cc | 1715 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 120 HP | 72 HP |
Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Torque | 195 Nm | 122 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 79.5 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 86.4 mm |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 845 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 3950 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1620 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1420 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |