2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Kia Carens
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Kia Carens. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Carens 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) has 73 more horse power than 2006 Kia Carens. (137 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Carens. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 615 kg more than 2006 Kia Carens. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Explorer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Kia Carens, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 182 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Carens. (162 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Carens. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2006 Kia Carens has manual transmission. 2006 Kia Carens 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 | 2006 Kia Carens | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Carens |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 137 HP |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1462 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
