2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Nissan 350Z
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Nissan 350Z. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Nissan 350Z would be higher. At 4,007 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan 350Z (265 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan 350Z should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan 350Z weights approximately 524 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Nissan 350Z. 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, 2003 Nissan 350Z (363 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan 350Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2003 Nissan 350Z has manual transmission. 2003 Nissan 350Z 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 | 2003 Nissan 350Z | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | 350Z |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4007 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 265 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
