2002 Toyota Solara vs. 2011 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2011 Ford Explorer is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Toyota Solara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Toyota Solara would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 2002 Toyota Solara. (162 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2002 Toyota Solara.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2011 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 121 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Toyota Solara. (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Toyota Solara. 2011 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2002 Toyota Solara has manual transmission. 2002 Toyota Solara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Toyota Solara | 2011 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Toyota | Ford |
| Model | Solara | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2438 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 162 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 224 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4830 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2860 mm |
