2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1997 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 11 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 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (114 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 557 kg more than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Jeep 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (283 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1997 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Explorer | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2580 mm |
