2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Nissan Murano
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan Murano. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan Murano would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Murano (245 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Murano should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 277 kg more than 2003 Nissan Murano.
Because 2003 Nissan Murano 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, 2003 Nissan Murano 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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Nissan Murano. (323 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Nissan Murano.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2003 Nissan Murano | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | Murano |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Crossover |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3507 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 323 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2830 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 82 L |
