1997 Jeep Cherokee vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 16 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, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 45 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 198 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
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, 1997 Jeep Cherokee (194 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Jeep Cherokee | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Jeep | Mazda |
| Model | Cherokee | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2463 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 194 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98.3 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 81 mm | 83 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4260 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2330 mm |
