2002 Ford Explorer vs. 2002 Mazda 626
To start off, both 2002 Ford Explorer and 2002 Mazda 626 were released in the same year (2002). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 697 kg more than 2002 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Ford Explorer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Mazda 626, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 626.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 2002 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | 626 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
