1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 406 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 four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Cherokee | 2008 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Jeep | Mercury |
| Model | Cherokee | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2464 cc | 4015 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 100 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1836 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1860 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2890 mm |
