2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2005 Mazda Marathon
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda Marathon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda Marathon 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 106 more horse power than 2005 Mazda Marathon. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda Marathon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 560 kg more than 2005 Mazda Marathon. 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda Marathon. (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda Marathon. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2005 Mazda Marathon has manual transmission. 2005 Mazda Marathon 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 | 2005 Mazda Marathon | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | Marathon |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Van |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2260 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 10 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1517 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
