2004 Audi A4 vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Audi A4. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Audi A4 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2004 Audi A4. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2004 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 591 kg more than 2004 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Audi A4 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Audi A4 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, 2012 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Audi A4. (225 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Audi A4. 2012 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2004 Audi A4 has manual transmission. 2004 Audi A4 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Audi A4 | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A4 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1781 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 225 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1476 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4550 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 70 L |
