2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 4 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, 2012 Lexus IS (306 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 317 kg more than 2012 Lexus IS.
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, 2012 Lexus IS (375 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Explorer | IS |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3500 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 | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 375 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1760 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4636 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 65 L |
