2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2002 Mazda 626
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 2002 Mazda 626. (100 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mazda 626 weights approximately 270 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda 626. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 275 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda 626. (152 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda 626. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2002 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 2002 Mazda 626 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 | 2002 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | 626 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2002 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1242 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
