1981 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 1997 Jeep Cherokee is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1981 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ford Mustang (173 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (114 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 165 kg more than 1981 Ford Mustang.
Because 1997 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep 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, 1981 Ford Mustang (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (283 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1981 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Mustang | 1997 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Mustang | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1981 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1355 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2580 mm |
