2008 Land Rover Defender vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Land Rover Defender would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 50 kg more than 2012 Ford Explorer.
Because 2008 Land Rover Defender is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Land Rover Defender 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 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Land Rover Defender. (301 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Land Rover Defender. 2012 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2008 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2008 Land Rover Defender will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Land Rover Defender | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Land Rover | Ford |
| Model | Defender | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3500 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 290 HP |
| Torque | 301 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1950 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2117 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5070 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2040 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3230 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 93 L | 70 L |
