1997 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2005 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Jeep Wrangler. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Jeep Wrangler would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Passat (148 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 30 kg more than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 1997 Jeep Wrangler is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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 Wrangler (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (210 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Wrangler will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 2005 Volkswagen Passat has automatic transmission and 1997 Jeep Wrangler has manual transmission. 1997 Jeep Wrangler will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Wrangler | 2005 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Wrangler | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2499 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2380 mm | 2680 mm |
