2008 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Jeep Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Jeep Cherokee 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 40 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Cherokee should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 483 kg more than 2012 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 2012 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, 2008 Jeep Cherokee (307 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 67 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Jeep Cherokee has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Cherokee | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3701 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 307 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1829 kg | 1346 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4510 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 55 L |
