2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Nissan 350Z (306 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 2012 Ford Explorer. (290 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 527 kg more than 2008 Nissan 350Z.
Because 2008 Nissan 350Z is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Nissan 350Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Explorer. 2012 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2008 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2008 Nissan 350Z 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 Nissan 350Z | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | 350Z | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 306 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 363 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1540 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.4 L/100km | 9.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.1 L/100km | 13.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 70 L |
