1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Jeep Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Jeep Cherokee would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (114 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 124 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 (283 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Cherokee | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cherokee | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1984 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1396 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
