2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 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 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (211 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 417 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Mazda 3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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 116 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda 3. (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Explorer | 3 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 60 L |
