What makes a jeep better???

[sklater]

Okay, I am an industrial design major and am working on an assignment for one class. We have to take a problem or something a little advanced and describe it to the general public using pictures and words. A layout page of how it works will then be due. It has to be told in a way that the general public would understand something a little more complex.
I chose the subject of how a jeep is better than other suv's for offroading use. Mainly I will be using the newer wranglers and rubicons, 2005 - 2007. Just wondering if people have ideas and info about the difference between those jeeps and other suv's. Stuff like ground clearence, stock tires, engine power, torque, vehicle base length, differentials, etc. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I want to compare jeeps to other vehicles in off road capabilities. Pictures you might have, diagrams as well, would also be helpful.
thanks
-jeff-

[Ray H]

Hmmmm !

This wont help you, but my answer to "why is Jeep better" has nothing to do its mechanics, it is because of its extensive and relatively inexpensive aftermarket, hense the saying "Jeeps are built, not bought".
Of course that doesnt help you in the least.
If I was to pick out one mechanical property about a Wrangler that seperates it from the competition and increases its "out of the box" off road ability, it would be the solid front axle. To my knowledge, there are only two other SUVs, world wide, that are still manufactured with solid front axles and they are way over the price range of the TJ. I think Land Rover still makes a SFA SUV and Mercedes may still make one.
Solid front axles have two advantages off road. The first being simplicity. They have fewer moving parts so they tend to hold up better in a harsh environment and if they do break or wear out, they are easier and cheaper to fix.
The second advantage of a SFA over independant suspension is better articulation.
Obviously traction is a good thing. A tire in the air has zero traction, so the first thing that needs to happen to get traction is the tires must stay on the ground. Articulation is the key to keeping all your tires planted.

That should get you started in the right direction (at least A direction). I may revisit when I have more time. Im sure others will add their thoughts in the mean time.

[fredjacksonsan]

Jeeps are lighter than most other real 4x4's. A big pickup will sink to the framerails in a mud bog that a Jeep can make it over or through. The same advantages that lighter weight has in racing applications holds true offroad as well.

Type of 4wd system. Some of the "cute utes" have an all wheel drive setup, and no low range. 4wd Jeeps have a Lo setting for rock crawling ability and power multiplication in tough situations (think sand on the beach) where the awd in high range would have trouble.

Add this to the simplicity of most Jeeps, and Ray's true statement about the ease of modification and I think you'd have all you need to make your case.

[sprocketjuice]

I like the mechanical observations of the previously mentioned. I'd like to add Jeeps have an ability to quickly modify themselves to fit many different off-road tasks. For example their doors can be quickly removed for quick entry and exit, or swapped with half doors or safari doors. A few quick turns of the right sized star wrench and you can lower the windshield to get a clear shot for hunting. The soft top of the vehicle can easily be stored in the back and raised or lowered to accommodate changing weather conditions, and bikini tops are small, but effective and quick to put in place. Also the jeeps open top design can easily be augmented with a bed liner like lineX or herculiner all the way to the firewall. This deadens road noise and allows a dirty jeep interior to simply be washed out with a garden hose.

[sklater]

Hey, thanks for all the info so far. It has helped a ton. Any diagrams, or side-by-side comparisions of jeeps to others? thanks
-jeff-

[fredjacksonsan]

Plenty of info on www.Jeep.com, but you may not be able to reproduce without permission.

For side by side, try THIS
also, Google is your friend.

[4x4grey88]

Jeeps are better because everyone tries to copy them.

Look at the new hummers.... Need I say more..

[Millermagic]

Everyone tries to copy Jeep, but no one can do it.