1996 BMW 325 vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 325 would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1996 BMW 325. (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 325. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 692 kg more than 1996 BMW 325. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 BMW 325. (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 BMW 325. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 325 | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 325 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1880 mm |
