2008 Jeep Commander vs. 1997 Jeep Wrangler
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 Wrangler. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Jeep Wrangler would be higher. At 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Jeep Commander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Jeep Commander (330 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 216 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (114 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Jeep Commander should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Jeep Commander weights approximately 528 kg more than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. 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 (509 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 229 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. (280 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2008 Jeep Commander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Wrangler. 2008 Jeep Commander 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. 2008 Jeep Commander will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Jeep Commander | 1997 Jeep Wrangler | |
| Make | Jeep | Jeep |
| Model | Commander | Wrangler |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 2499 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 330 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 509 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 99.6 mm | 92.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.9 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1978 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2380 mm |
