2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima 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 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 372 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 Nissan Altima. 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, 2003 Ford Explorer (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | Altima |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3994 cc | 2501 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 2322 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2810 mm |
