2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Audi R8
To start off, 2011 Audi R8 is newer by 3 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 4,200 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Audi R8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Audi R8 (420 HP @ 7800 RPM) has 210 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Audi R8 should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 442 kg more than 2011 Audi R8.
Because 2011 Audi R8 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Audi R8 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, 2011 Audi R8 (430 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Audi R8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2011 Audi R8 has manual transmission. 2011 Audi R8 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 | 2011 Audi R8 | |
| Make | Ford | Audi |
| Model | Explorer | R8 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 4200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 7800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4435 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1252 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2649 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 11.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 21.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 90 L |
