USA vs USA — 1955 vs 1963
| CJ-5 V8 Renegade | Wagoneer Full Size | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 150 hp | 175 hp |
| Torque | 250 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,981 cc | 5,899 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 12.0 sec | 12.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 85 mph | 100 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 18.5 sec | 18.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,850 lbs | 4,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,083 mm | 2,794 mm |
| Length | 3,378 mm | 4,775 mm |
| Original MSRP | $6,195 | $7,695 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1955 Jeep CJ-5 V8 Renegade brings quicker acceleration, lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1963 Jeep Wagoneer Full Size answers with more power, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Jeep has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1955 Jeep CJ-5 V8 Renegade with the 1963 Jeep Wagoneer Full Size highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1963 Jeep Wagoneer Full Size holds a clear advantage in raw power with 175 hp compared to 150 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1955 Jeep CJ-5 V8 Renegade edges ahead at 12.0 seconds versus 12.5 seconds. The Jeep CJ-5 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1550 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.