1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2012 Ford F-150
To start off, 2012 Ford F-150 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 6,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford F-150 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford F-150 (411 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 291 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford F-150 should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford F-150 weights approximately 1240 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 Ford F-150 (588 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 394 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (194 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford F-150 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. 2012 Ford F-150 has automatic transmission and 1997 Jeep Cherokee has manual transmission. 1997 Jeep Cherokee will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford F-150 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Cherokee | 2012 Ford F-150 | |
| Make | Jeep | Ford |
| Model | Cherokee | F-150 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2463 cc | 6200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 411 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 194 Nm | 588 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 2620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 5890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 2012 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1900 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 3670 mm |
