2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 970 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus 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, 2009 Ford Taurus 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 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2009 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Explorer | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1107 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
