2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1998 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Toyota MR2 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 37 more horse power than 1998 Toyota MR2. (173 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1998 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 842 kg more than 1998 Toyota MR2. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Toyota MR2. (186 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Toyota MR2. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1998 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1998 Toyota MR2 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 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Explorer | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1998 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 186 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1235 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
