2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (300 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 943 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.
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 21 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW X3. (406 Nm @ 1200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW X3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Explorer | X3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 406 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 67 L |
