The CJ5
The Jeep CJ-5 was a model of the CJ series produced by Willys, AMC, and Chrysler from 1955 to 1983. The CJ-5 was one of the longest-running models of the CJ series and was known for its ruggedness, durability, and off-road capabilities.
The CJ-5 was relatively compact, measuring around 131 inches in length and 69 inches in width. It had a wheelbase of 81 inches and weighed around 2,300 pounds. It was available in both a hardtop and a soft-top version and had a variety of engine options throughout its production, including the Hurricane F-head inline-four, the Willys L-head inline-four, and the AMC in-line six-cylinder engines. The CJ-5 was available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
The CJ-5 was popular with farmers, ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts, as well as being used as a workhorse vehicle. Its off-road capabilities were impressive due to its short wheelbase and high ground clearance. The CJ-5 was also versatile and could be outfitted with a variety of attachments and accessories to suit different uses.
The CJ-5 was produced from 1955 to 1983 with slight changes during that time, such as the introduction of new engines, transmission options, and minor design changes.
The CJ7
The Jeep CJ-7 was a model of the CJ series produced by AMC from 1976 to 1986. It was an evolution of the CJ-5, with the main difference being its longer wheelbase and overall length. The CJ-7 was designed to be a more comfortable and stable vehicle for on-road use, while still maintaining its off-road capabilities.
The CJ-7 measured around 156 inches in length and 71 inches in width. It had a wheelbase of 93.5 inches and weighed around 2,800 pounds. The CJ-7 was available in both a hardtop and a soft-top version and had a variety of engine options throughout its production, including the AMC in-line six-cylinder engines, the AMC 304 V8, and the AMC 258 six-cylinder engines. It was available with both manual and automatic transmissions.
The CJ-7 featured an updated interior with more comfortable seats and more amenities, such as power brakes and an optional molded plastic top. It also had a new design with a new grille, round headlights, and a new hood. The CJ-7 also had a wider track and a longer wheelbase which made it more stable on-road, and off-road it had increased ground clearance and better approach and departure angles.
The CJ-7 was produced from 1976 to 1986, but AMC went bankrupt in 1979 and Chrysler bought AMC, so all the production of CJ7 was under Chrysler until 1986.
Differences between the CJ5 and CJ7
There are several key differences between the Jeep CJ-5 and the CJ-7 models
- Wheelbase and overall length: The CJ-7 has a longer wheelbase (93.5 inches) and overall length (156 inches) than the CJ-5 (81 inches and 131 inches respectively), which gives the CJ-7 a more stable ride on-road and improved off-road capabilities with better approach and departure angles.
- Interior and Amenities: The CJ-7 features an updated interior with more comfortable seats and more amenities such as power brakes, an optional molded plastic top, and better sound insulation. The CJ-5 had a more spartan interior with basic amenities.
- Engine and Transmission: The CJ-7 had a variety of engine options throughout its production, including the AMC in-line six-cylinder engines, the AMC 304 V8, and the AMC 258 six-cylinder engines, while the CJ-5 had options like the Hurricane F-head inline-four, the Willys L-head inline-four, and the AMC in-line six-cylinder engines.
- Design: The CJ-7 had a new design with a new grille, round headlights, and a new hood, while the CJ-5 had a more traditional and boxy design.
- Production: The CJ-5 was produced from 1955 to 1983 and the CJ-7 from 1976 to 1986, but AMC went bankrupt in 1979 and Chrysler bought AMC, so all the production of CJ-7 was under Chrysler until 1986.
Overall, the CJ-7 was designed to be a more comfortable and stable vehicle for on-road use, while still maintaining its off-road capabilities, while the CJ-5 was more focused on off-road capabilities and ruggedness.
Conclusion
The Jeep CJ-5 and CJ-7 are both models of the CJ series that were known for their ruggedness, durability, and off-road capabilities. However, there are several key differences between the two models. The CJ-7 has a longer wheelbase and overall length than the CJ-5, giving it a more stable ride on-road and improved off-road capabilities. The CJ-7 also features an updated interior with more comfortable seats and more amenities, while the CJ-5 has a more spartan interior. The CJ-7 also had a variety of engine options, and a new design, while the CJ-5 had a more traditional and boxy design. The CJ-5 was produced from 1955 to 1983 and the CJ-7 from 1976 to 1986, but AMC went bankrupt in 1979 and Chrysler bought AMC, so all the production of CJ-7 was under Chrysler until 1986. Ultimately, the choice between the two models depends on the specific needs and preferences of the buyer, whether it’s off-road capabilities, on-road comfort, or overall design.
