2004 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2009 Land Rover Defender is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Explorer (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2009 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 758 kg more than 2004 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Land Rover Defender (360 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Explorer. (306 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2009 Land Rover Defender will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Explorer | 2009 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Explorer | Defender |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2402 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 2708 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 3900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1970 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2370 mm |
