1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 15 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, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan (148 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (114 HP @ 3900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Sharan should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 203 kg more than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. 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 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. 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 (283 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 43 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Sharan. 1997 Jeep Cherokee has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Sharan 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cherokee | Sharan |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1400 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3900 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 283 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1723 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2919 mm |
