1998 Ford Focus vs. 1997 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 1998 Ford Focus is newer by 1 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, 1998 Ford Focus (134 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 186 kg more than 1998 Ford Focus.
Because 1997 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Focus. 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 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Focus. (170 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Focus. 1997 Jeep Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Focus has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Focus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1997 Jeep Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Ford Focus | 1997 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Focus | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1797 cc | 2464 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 134 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 98.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 81 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1244 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2580 mm |
