2002 Dodge Dakota vs. 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2002 Dodge Dakota is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be higher. At 2,499 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Dakota (118 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (114 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Dakota should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 318 kg more than 2002 Dodge Dakota.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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 Grand Cherokee (300 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Dodge Dakota. (196 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Dodge Dakota.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Dakota | 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Dodge | Jeep |
| Model | Dakota | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2458 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 196 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 3 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1670 mm | 1710 mm |
