2009 Dodge Ram vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Dodge Ram 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 5,654 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Ram is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Ram (390 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 180 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Ram should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 386 kg more than 2009 Dodge Ram.
Because 2009 Dodge Ram is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Ram 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 Dodge Ram (552 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 208 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Ram will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Ram | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Ram | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Pickup | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5654 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 552 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5790 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1910 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3560 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 13.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 16.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 15.7 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 98 L | 85 L |
