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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 176 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 940 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 (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 182 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 | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4800 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 | 2115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4160 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1943 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2916 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 93 L |
