1997 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 6,400 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (470 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 356 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 1161 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 2012 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, 2012 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, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (630 Nm @ 4300 RPM) has 460 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Volkswagen Golf | 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Jeep |
| Model | Golf | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1896 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 470 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1175 kg | 2336 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4859 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1958 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1755 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2916 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 93 L |
