1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 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 2,463 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW X3 (182 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 410 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.
Because 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 will offer significantly more control. 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 X3 (380 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (194 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 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 X3 | |
| Make | Jeep | BMW |
| Model | Cherokee | X3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2463 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 194 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
