2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2009 Nissan Frontier is newer by 6 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Frontier (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (236 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Frontier should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 753 kg more than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Nissan Frontier. 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 (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Nissan Frontier. (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Nissan Frontier.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2009 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2082 kg | 1329 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 3200 mm |
