Islam IS a religion of peace. Heretic barbarians of the modern ages do not define Islam. Islam is defined by the teachings of Muhammad. People who behave otherwise in the name of Islam are not Muslims but heretics.
Islam and Christianity have some differences in their core.
Christianity believes in one divine teacher which has already been and gone whose teachings will remain till the end of time.
Islam on the other hand is less set in stone, believing in multiple prophets.
Their have been a few in the past who ordered hostility. Some Muslims buy it, others don't.
Christianity has had the same sorts of people. The difference is that Christianity is rigged to where anything that contradicts the teachings of Christ is heresy, and their is no other divine teacher, therefore, leaving minimal room for confusion, and no room to do such behavior and think you're anything BUT Gods enemy.