1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 1974 Lotus Elite
To start off, 1997 Jeep Cherokee is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Lotus Elite. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Lotus Elite would be higher. At 2,463 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Lotus Elite (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Lotus Elite should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 320 kg more than 1974 Lotus Elite.
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 Jeep Cherokee (194 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Lotus Elite. (177 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Lotus Elite.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Cherokee | 1974 Lotus Elite | |
| Make | Jeep | Lotus |
| Model | Cherokee | Elite |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2463 cc | 1973 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 142 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 194 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 95.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 69.3 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2490 mm |
