2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 4 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 653 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.
Because 2013 BMW 3 Series is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2013 BMW 3 Series will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Explorer | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 4.0:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1625 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 61 L |
