2012 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 BMW 530
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2011 BMW 530. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2011 BMW 530 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 34 more horse power than 2011 BMW 530. (256 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 530. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 277 kg more than 2011 BMW 530. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 BMW 530 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 2011 BMW 530. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2011 BMW 530 (540 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 2011 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Explorer | 530 |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 540 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2067 kg | 1790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5006 mm | 4899 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2004 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1788 mm | 1464 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
