1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2012 Kia Rio
To start off, 2012 Kia Rio 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 2,464 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Kia Rio (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Kia Rio should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 337 kg more than 2012 Kia Rio.
Because 1997 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Kia Rio. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Cherokee 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, 1997 Jeep Cherokee (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Kia Rio. (167 Nm @ 4850 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Kia Rio.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Cherokee | 2012 Kia Rio | |
| Make | Jeep | Kia |
| Model | Cherokee | Rio |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2464 cc | 1600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 195 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4850 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1093 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4366 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1455 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |
