2008 Fiat 500 vs. 2003 Ford Explorer

To start off, 2008 Fiat 500 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, 2003 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 142 more horse power than 2008 Fiat 500. (68 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2008 Fiat 500. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1074 kg more than 2008 Fiat 500. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Fiat 500. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Ford Explorer (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 233 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Fiat 500. (102 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Fiat 500. 2003 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2008 Fiat 500 has manual transmission. 2008 Fiat 500 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Fiat 500 2003 Ford Explorer
Make Fiat Ford
Model 500 Explorer
Year Released 2008 2003
Body Type Hatchback SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 1242 cc 4014 cc
Engine Cylinders 4 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type in-line V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 68 HP 210 HP
Engine RPM 5500 RPM 5250 RPM
Torque 102 Nm 335 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 3000 RPM
Engine Bore Size 70.9 mm 100.4 mm
Engine Stroke Size 78.9 mm 84.4 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 11.1:1 9.7:1
Fuel Type Gasoline - Premium Gasoline
Drive Type Front 4WD
Transmission Type Manual Automatic
Number of Seats 4 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 3 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 865 kg 1939 kg
Vehicle Length 3550 mm 5240 mm
Vehicle Width 1630 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1490 mm 1790 mm
Wheelbase Size 2310 mm 3490 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 5.1 L/100km 11.8 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 35 L 85 L