2005 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Mazda 6
To start off, 2008 Mazda 6 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda 6 (212 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2005 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Explorer weights approximately 759 kg more than 2008 Mazda 6.
Because 2005 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda 6. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2005 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda 6. (267 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda 6. 2008 Mazda 6 has automatic transmission and 2005 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2005 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Explorer | 2008 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | 6 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4016 cc | 2968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 321 Nm | 267 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 68 L |
