2008 Audi A8 vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Audi A8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Audi A8 (271 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Audi A8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Audi A8 weights approximately 1 kg more than 2003 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Audi A8 (650 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer. 2008 Audi A8 has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Audi A8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Audi A8 | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Audi | Ford |
| Model | A8 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3934 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3750 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 650 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 95.5 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1940 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5060 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 85 L |
