2005 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2012 Nissan Altima is newer by 7 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 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Altima (175 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2005 Ford Explorer. (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 2005 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Explorer weights approximately 552 kg more than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Because 2005 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Nissan Altima. 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 (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Altima. (244 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Altima.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Ford Explorer | 2012 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | Altima |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1398 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4595 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1796 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2675 mm |
