1998 Ford Ka vs. 1997 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 1998 Ford Ka 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 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Jeep Cherokee (114 HP @ 3900 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1998 Ford Ka. (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Ka. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 640 kg more than 1998 Ford Ka. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Ka. 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 (283 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Ka. (105 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Ka. 1997 Jeep Cherokee has automatic transmission and 1998 Ford Ka has manual transmission. 1998 Ford Ka 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 Ka | 1997 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Ka | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1299 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 105 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 880 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3630 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2580 mm |
