1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be higher. At 3,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee (175 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (140 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 670 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Jeep Grand 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, 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee (301 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make Jeep Mazda
Model Grand Cherokee MX-5 Miata
Year Released 1998 2005
Body Type SUV Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3958 cc 1839 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Horse Power 175 HP 140 HP
Engine RPM 4600 RPM 7000 RPM
Torque 301 Nm 160 Nm
Torque RPM 2400 RPM 5000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 98.6 mm 83 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86.6 mm 85 mm
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
Drive Type 4WD Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1810 kg 1140 kg
Vehicle Length 4490 mm 3980 mm
Vehicle Width 1810 mm 1690 mm
Vehicle Height 1710 mm 1230 mm