2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Honda Civic

To start off, 2009 Honda Civic 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2009 Honda Civic. (140 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 948 kg more than 2009 Honda Civic. 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, 2009 Honda Civic, 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 170 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Honda Civic.

Compare all specifications:

2008 Ford Explorer 2009 Honda Civic
Make Ford Honda
Model Explorer Civic
Year Released 2008 2009
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4013 cc 1799 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 210 HP 140 HP
Engine RPM 5100 RPM 6300 RPM
Torque 344 Nm 174 Nm
Torque RPM 3700 RPM 4300 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.7:1 10.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Weight 2077 kg 1129 kg
Vehicle Length 5350 mm 4510 mm
Vehicle Width 1880 mm 1760 mm
Vehicle Height 1850 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 3320 mm 2710 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 11.8 L/100km 6.5 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 16.8 L/100km 9.4 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 14.7 L/100km 8.1 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 85 L 50 L