2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1998 Jeep Cherokee
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Jeep Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Jeep Cherokee would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1998 Jeep Cherokee. (120 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1998 Jeep Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Jeep Cherokee weights approximately 464 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 1998 Jeep Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Jeep Cherokee. (194 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Jeep Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1998 Jeep Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Explorer | Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2464 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 194 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4260 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2580 mm |
