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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 103 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 6000 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 219 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 (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (145 Nm @ 4000 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 | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1597 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 145 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 4.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1191 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4550 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 8.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
