2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee would be higher. At 4,701 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (235 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 968 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 (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee. (408 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Explorer | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 4701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 408 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1940 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2700 mm |
