2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Audi S3
To start off, both 2003 Ford Explorer and 2003 Audi S3 were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (236 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2003 Audi S3. (222 HP @ 5900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Audi S3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 659 kg more than 2003 Audi S3. 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 (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Audi S3. (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Audi S3. 2003 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2003 Audi S3 has manual transmission. 2003 Audi S3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2003 Audi S3 | |
| Make | Ford | Audi |
| Model | Explorer | S3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 222 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5900 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 280 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2082 kg | 1423 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2530 mm |
