2003 Ford Explorer vs. 1996 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2003 Ford Explorer is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 143 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (67 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 714 kg more than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 215 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Vitara.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 1996 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Explorer | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4014 cc | 1904 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2210 mm |
