2012 Volkswagen Golf vs. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be higher. At 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (104 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 910 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 2011 Jeep Grand 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, 2011 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, 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (250 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2011 Jeep Grand 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. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf | 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Jeep |
| Model | Golf | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1600 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 2360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4534 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1781 mm | 1943 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1504 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2578 mm | 2916 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 93 L |
