2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Kia Sportage
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 Sportage. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Kia Sportage 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 2006 Kia Sportage. (173 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2006 Kia Sportage. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 597 kg more than 2006 Kia Sportage. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Kia Sportage 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, 2006 Kia Sportage 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Kia Sportage. (241 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Kia Sportage.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2006 Kia Sportage | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Explorer | Sportage |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2654 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2640 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 65 L |
