2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Lexus IS
To start off, 2011 Lexus IS is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,007 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2011 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 776 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Lexus IS. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2011 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2011 Lexus IS 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 | 2011 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Ford | Lexus |
| Model | Explorer | IS |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4007 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1742 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4633 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 65 L |
