2002 Ford Explorer vs. 2005 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2005 Land Rover Defender is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Land Rover Defender (180 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2002 Ford Explorer. (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Land Rover Defender should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 320 kg more than 2005 Land Rover Defender.
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, 2005 Land Rover Defender (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Explorer. (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2005 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 2005 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Explorer | Defender |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 3947 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 3730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 2080 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 93 L |
