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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2011 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Lexus IS (416 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Lexus IS should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Lexus IS weights approximately 749 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, 2011 Lexus IS (502 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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 | 4606 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 416 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 502 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1715 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4661 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1816 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1415 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2728 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.4 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 64 L |
