2009 Dodge Grand Caravan vs. 1997 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is newer by 12 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 3,778 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (197 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan should accelerate faster than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 70 kg more than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Because 1997 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan. 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, 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan (312 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 117 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Jeep Cherokee. (195 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan | 1997 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Dodge | Jeep |
| Model | Grand Caravan | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Minivan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3778 cc | 2464 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 195 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5150 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2010 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2580 mm |
