2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2011 Ford Mustang 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 202 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 390 kg more than 2011 Ford Mustang.
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, 2011 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2011 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Explorer | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 61 L |
