2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Nissan Frontier
To start off, 2012 Nissan Frontier 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (152 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Frontier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 405 kg more than 2012 Nissan Frontier. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Frontier. (232 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Frontier. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2012 Nissan Frontier has manual transmission. 2012 Nissan Frontier 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 | 2012 Nissan Frontier | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | Frontier |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 152 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 232 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1672 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1780 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 3200 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
