2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Honda Pilot
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Honda Pilot. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Honda Pilot would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Honda Pilot (244 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 37 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Honda Pilot should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda Pilot weights approximately 1038 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 rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Honda Pilot, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Honda Pilot (325 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 71 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Honda Pilot will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2008 Honda Pilot | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Explorer | Pilot |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 3471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 244 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 4.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 2010 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1820 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 77 L |
