1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2012 BMW 328
To start off, 2012 BMW 328 is newer by 15 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 BMW 328 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW 328 (230 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW 328 should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW 328 weights approximately 355 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, 2012 BMW 328 (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (194 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW 328 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Cherokee | 2012 BMW 328 | |
| Make | Jeep | BMW |
| Model | Cherokee | 328 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2463 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 230 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 194 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 89.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4536 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
