2008 Dodge Durango vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Dodge Durango 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 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Durango is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Durango (303 HP @ 5650 RPM) has 93 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Durango should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 189 kg more than 2008 Dodge Durango.
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 Dodge Durango (447 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Durango will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Durango | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Durango | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4701 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 303 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5650 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 335 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1750 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5110 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1940 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1890 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 3490 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.2 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.2 L/100km | 15.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 6.3 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 102 L | 85 L |
