2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1996 Suzuki Vitara
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Suzuki Vitara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Suzuki Vitara would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (211 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (67 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Suzuki Vitara weights approximately 259 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. (120 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Suzuki Vitara. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1996 Suzuki Vitara has manual transmission. 1996 Suzuki Vitara will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1996 Suzuki Vitara | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Explorer | Vitara |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1904 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 120 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1225 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1640 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1670 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2210 mm |
