1997 Chevrolet Cavalier 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 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Jeep Liberty is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Jeep Liberty (207 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (150 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Jeep Liberty should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Jeep Liberty weights approximately 641 kg more than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Jeep Liberty is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Jeep Liberty. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Jeep Liberty (235 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (210 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Jeep Liberty will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2009 Jeep Liberty | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jeep |
| Model | Cavalier | Liberty |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2391 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1187 kg | 1828 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 2270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 51 L |
