2009 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2008 Ford Explorer

To start off, 2009 Chevrolet Impala is newer by 1 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, 2009 Chevrolet Impala (234 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer.

Because 2008 Ford Explorer 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 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Chevrolet Impala, 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 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Chevrolet Impala. (325 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Chevrolet Impala.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Chevrolet Impala 2008 Ford Explorer
Make Chevrolet Ford
Model Impala Explorer
Year Released 2009 2008
Body Type Sedan SUV
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3900 cc 4013 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 6 cylinders
Engine Type V V
Valves per Cylinder 2 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 234 HP 210 HP
Engine RPM 5600 RPM 5100 RPM
Torque 325 Nm 344 Nm
Torque RPM 4000 RPM 3700 RPM
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Automatic
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 5 doors
Vehicle Length 5100 mm 5350 mm
Vehicle Width 1860 mm 1880 mm
Vehicle Height 1500 mm 1850 mm
Wheelbase Size 2810 mm 3320 mm
Fuel Consumption 8.7 L/100km 11.8 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 13.8 L/100km 16.8 L/100km
Fuel Consumption Overall 11.2 L/100km 14.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 64 L 85 L