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) has 40 more horse power than 2012 Subaru Forester. (170 HP). 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 580 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Subaru Forester. (236 Nm @ 4100 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Subaru Forester. 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 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 170 HP |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4100 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| 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 | 1497 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4559 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1699 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2616 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
