2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Land Rover Defender
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Land Rover Defender. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Land Rover Defender 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 91 more horse power than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (120 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2006 Land Rover Defender. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Land Rover Defender weights approximately 434 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 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Land Rover Defender. (300 Nm @ 1950 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Land Rover Defender. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2006 Land Rover Defender has manual transmission. 2006 Land Rover Defender 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 | 2006 Land Rover Defender | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Explorer | Defender |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 9 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 18.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 75 L |
