2002 Dodge Neon vs. 1997 Jeep Wrangler
To start off, 2002 Dodge Neon is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Jeep Wrangler. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Jeep Wrangler would be higher. At 2,464 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Neon (212 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (122 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Neon should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Wrangler weights approximately 189 kg more than 2002 Dodge Neon.
Because 1997 Jeep Wrangler is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Dodge Neon. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep Wrangler 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, 2002 Dodge Neon (304 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (193 Nm @ 2900 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. 2002 Dodge Neon has automatic transmission and 1997 Jeep Wrangler has manual transmission. 1997 Jeep Wrangler will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Dodge Neon will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Neon | 1997 Jeep Wrangler | |
| Make | Dodge | Jeep |
| Model | Neon | Wrangler |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2429 cc | 2464 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 212 HP | 122 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 193 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 98.3 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 101.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1206 kg | 1395 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4370 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 47 L | 57 L |
