2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2009 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 537 kg more than 2009 Nissan 350Z.
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, 2009 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2009 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2009 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2009 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 306 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 16.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2660 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 | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
