1997 BMW S3 vs. 2009 Jeep Liberty
To start off, 2009 Jeep Liberty is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW S3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW S3 would be higher. At 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Jeep Liberty is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW S3 (260 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 2009 Jeep Liberty. (210 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW S3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Jeep Liberty. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Liberty weights approximately 687 kg more than 1997 BMW S3.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 BMW S3 (330 Nm) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Jeep Liberty. (319 Nm). This means 1997 BMW S3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Jeep Liberty. 2009 Jeep Liberty has automatic transmission and 1997 BMW S3 has manual transmission. 1997 BMW S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Jeep Liberty will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW S3 | 2009 Jeep Liberty | |
| Make | BMW | Jeep |
| Model | S3 | Liberty |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3201 cc | 3778 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 319 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1368 kg | 2055 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
