2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Buick Enclave
To start off, 2011 Buick Enclave 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 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Buick Enclave (288 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Buick Enclave should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Buick Enclave weights approximately 91 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer. 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, 2011 Buick Enclave, 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, 2011 Buick Enclave (366 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Buick Enclave will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2011 Buick Enclave | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Explorer | Enclave |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 288 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 2168 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5126 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2007 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 3020 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 83 L |
