2009 BMW 550 vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,799 cc, 2009 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (236 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 420 kg more than 2009 BMW 550.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 BMW 550. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer 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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 550 | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 550 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4799 cc | 4605 cc |
| Horse Power | 362 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 2082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1470 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2840 mm |
