2002 Acura MDX vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2003 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura MDX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura MDX would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura MDX (238 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura MDX should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura MDX weights approximately 31 kg more than 2003 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 2003 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura MDX. (332 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura MDX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura MDX | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | MDX | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3470 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 332 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 88.9 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 93 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1970 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1960 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 3490 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 85 L |
