2003 Chevrolet SSR vs. 2002 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2003 Chevrolet SSR is newer by 1 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 5,316 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Chevrolet SSR is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 86 more horse power than 2002 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Chevrolet SSR should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Chevrolet SSR weights approximately 215 kg more than 2002 Ford Explorer. 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, 2003 Chevrolet SSR (449 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Chevrolet SSR will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Explorer. 2003 Chevrolet SSR 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. 2003 Chevrolet SSR will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Chevrolet SSR | 2002 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | SSR | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5316 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 449 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2154 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2000 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1640 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3200 mm |
