2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Kia Carnival
To start off, 2006 Kia Carnival is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 3,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Kia Carnival (182 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Kia Carnival should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Kia Carnival weights approximately 218 kg more than 2003 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Kia Carnival. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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, 2006 Kia Carnival (343 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2006 Kia Carnival will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2006 Kia Carnival | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Carnival |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3994 cc | 2902 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 343 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 2168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2900 mm |
