2008 Jeep Cherokee vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Jeep Cherokee is newer by 11 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 3,701 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jeep Cherokee (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (129 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 603 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 2008 Jeep 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, 2008 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 Volkswagen Golf (315 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Jeep Cherokee. (307 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Jeep Cherokee. 2008 Jeep Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1997 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 1997 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Jeep Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Cherokee | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cherokee | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.8 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 180 km/hour | 205 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.8 seconds | 9.6 seconds |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1829 kg | 1226 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 55 L |
