2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 1997 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Jeep Grand 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (322 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (69 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 1085 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 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, 2008 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, 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee (500 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 374 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. (126 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Golf. 2008 Jeep Grand 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 Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 1997 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Jeep | Volkswagen |
| Model | Grand Cherokee | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 1894 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 322 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 126 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2250 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4760 mm | 4160 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.4 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 45 L |
