2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Subaru Forester
To start off, 2012 Subaru Forester 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 65 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Forester. (145 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Subaru Forester. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 527 kg more than 2012 Subaru Forester. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Subaru Forester 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, 2012 Subaru Forester 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, 2012 Subaru Forester (350 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Subaru Forester will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2012 Subaru Forester has manual transmission. 2012 Subaru Forester 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 Subaru Forester | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Explorer | Forester |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1674 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 5.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
