2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2011 Nissan Xterra 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2011 Nissan Xterra. (261 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 916 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 (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 46 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Nissan Xterra. (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Nissan Xterra.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2011 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | Xterra |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 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 | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1882 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.4 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 80 L |
