2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1998 Land Rover Discovery
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Land Rover Discovery. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Land Rover Discovery would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1998 Land Rover Discovery. (181 HP @ 4750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1998 Land Rover Discovery. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 13 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Because 1998 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Land Rover Discovery. (320 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Land Rover Discovery. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1998 Land Rover Discovery has manual transmission. 1998 Land Rover Discovery will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1998 Land Rover Discovery | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Explorer | Discovery |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3946 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 181 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 2090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1920 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2550 mm |
