1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2008 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2008 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Jeep Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Jeep Cherokee would be higher. At 2,463 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 69 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 42 kg more than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (194 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Cherokee | 2008 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Jeep | Mazda |
| Model | Cherokee | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2463 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 194 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
