2006 Ford Freestyle vs. 1997 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 2006 Ford Freestyle is newer by 9 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 2,983 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Freestyle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Freestyle (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 83 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestyle should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 160 kg more than 2006 Ford Freestyle.
Because 1997 Jeep Cherokee is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1997 Jeep Cherokee. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Freestyle, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2006 Ford Freestyle (282 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (194 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Freestyle will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Freestyle | 1997 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Freestyle | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Crossover | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 2463 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 282 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1220 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5080 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1680 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2580 mm |
