2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Chevrolet Silverado
To start off, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 5,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (323 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 2011 Ford Explorer. (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado should accelerate faster than 2011 Ford Explorer.
Because 2012 Chevrolet Silverado is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Chevrolet Silverado. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Explorer, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2012 Chevrolet Silverado (516 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Chevrolet Silverado will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford Explorer | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Explorer | Silverado |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 5999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 323 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 516 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5006 mm | 5720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2004 mm | 2440 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1788 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 3380 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 129 L |
