2008 Dodge Nitro vs. 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2008 Dodge Nitro is newer by 11 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 3,699 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Nitro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Nitro (210 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (114 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Nitro 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 494 kg more than 2008 Dodge Nitro.
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, 2008 Dodge Nitro (319 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (300 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Nitro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Nitro | 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Dodge | Jeep |
| Model | Nitro | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3699 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 319 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1854 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1780 mm | 1710 mm |
