2008 Jeep Commander vs. 1997 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 2008 Jeep Commander 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 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Jeep Commander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jeep Commander (215 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (114 HP @ 3900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Commander should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Commander weights approximately 835 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.
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 Jeep Commander (510 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 227 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (283 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Commander | 1997 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Jeep | Jeep |
| Model | Commander | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2355 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2580 mm |
