2002 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2008 Nissan Xterra is newer by 6 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan Xterra (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 51 more horse power than 2002 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 649 kg more than 2008 Nissan Xterra.
Because 2008 Nissan Xterra is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Nissan Xterra will offer significantly more control. 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 Nissan Xterra (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 2008 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 3953 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
