It's Hardware that Defines the Winner between Jeep and Hummer

by Lance
(Philippines)

Some people pick the Hummer H3 over the Jeep because they want comfort. In my opinion, if the trail is so easy that comfort is a priority and not progress over uneven land, then you might as well just compare them in the mall parking lot.

The Hummer H1, and indeed, even the original Humvee (which is a beast), was designed to blast across open sands. Its wide stance, which would've helped stabilize it and prevent it from sinking, is also its downfall when it comes to rock crawling. Independent Suspension just doesn't flex much, and its size would mean difficulty in getting across tight spaces.

The Jeep Wrangler was designed for rock-crawling, and as such, has solid axles all front and rear. They flex much better than independent suspension types, they are much more durable, they are easier to lift, and easier to maintain. This also means a harder, bouncier ride than the Hummer, but at least it can also go where a Hummer could.

Most "Off-road" trails that autoblogs use to compare these two vehicles are simply uneven terrain with some bits of rocks scattered here and there. The Jeep could do it. The Hummer could do it, with more comfort. But then, so could a lifted rally car, or a Land Rover.

But in a real off-road scenario, with car-sized rocks and other obstacles around you, it's no comparison. Durability and simplicity wins. It's the Jeep Wrangler, hands down. Not even the venerable H1 would dare tackle rocks that big. It simply wasn't designed for it.

I'm not saying the Hummer is incapable. I'm just saying the Jeep is more capable. It's the hardware that determines the winner, and although the Hummer does its job well (open off-road area), so does the Jeep. In addition to what the Hummer can do, the Jeep does rock crawling and open off-road runs, just minus the comfort.


Larry's Comment: Each has a specific purpose, no doubt Lance...and each has its own limitations. From what you are saying, the Jeep just has fewer limitations than the Hummer when it comes to function.