2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1996 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 156 more horse power than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (59 HP @ 4700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 1009 kg more than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. (116 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Volkswagen Golf. 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1996 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1996 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1996 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2987 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 116 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 2169 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2480 mm |
