2006 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Pontiac GTO
To start off, 2006 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Pontiac GTO. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Pontiac GTO would be higher. At 5,664 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Pontiac GTO is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Pontiac GTO (350 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2006 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Pontiac GTO should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1172 kg more than 2003 Pontiac GTO.
Because 2003 Pontiac GTO is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Pontiac GTO. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Explorer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Pontiac GTO (495 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 151 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Pontiac GTO will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Explorer. 2006 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2003 Pontiac GTO has manual transmission. 2003 Pontiac GTO will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 2003 Pontiac GTO | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | GTO |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 5664 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 350 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 495 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.3 mm | 99 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1690 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
