2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, both 2009 Ford Explorer and 2009 Mazda 3 were released in the same year (2009). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 138 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (154 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda 3 weights approximately 584 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Mazda 3, 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (203 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda 3 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 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2260 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 203 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1550 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
