2002 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 9 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 269 kg more than 2011 BMW 520. 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 BMW 520. (270 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 BMW 520. 2011 BMW 520 has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 BMW 520 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Explorer | 520 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3200 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.9 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14 L/100km | 6.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
