2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Pontiac G8
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Pontiac G8. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Pontiac G8 would be higher. At 5,967 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Pontiac G8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Pontiac G8 (362 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 70 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Pontiac G8 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Pontiac G8 weights approximately 386 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2008 Pontiac G8 (530 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Pontiac G8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2008 Pontiac G8 has manual transmission. 2008 Pontiac G8 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 | 2008 Pontiac G8 | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | G8 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 5967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 362 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1352 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 11.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
