Model Year | 2006 | 2011 | |
Model | Ford Explorer | BMW 3-Series | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr SUV | 4dr Wagon | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 113.7 in | 108.7 in | 5 in |
Length | 193.4 in | 178.2 in | 15.2 in |
Width | 73.7 in | 71.5 in | 2.2 in |
Height | 72.8 in | 55.8 in | 17 in |
Curb Weight | 4440 lb. | 3462 lb. | 978 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 22.5 gal. | 15.9 gal. | 6.6 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 39.8 in | 38.5 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 59.0 in | 55.4 in | 3.6 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 0.0 in | 55.4 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.4 in | 41.5 in | 0.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 38.7 in | 38.0 in | 0.7 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 58.9 in | 55.1 in | 3.8 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 55.5 in | 0.0 in | 55.5 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 36.9 in | 34.6 in | 2.3 in |
Headroom, Row 3 | 37.4 in | 0.0 in | 37.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 3 | 53.1 in | 0.0 in | 53.1 in |
Hip Room, Row 3 | 45.3 in | 0.0 in | 45.3 in |
Legroom, Row 3 | 34.9 in | 0.0 in | 34.9 in |
Total Legroom | 114.2 in (over 3 rows) | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 38.1 in |
Cargo Volume, Minimum | 13.6 ft3 | 24.8 ft3 | -11.2 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Behind R2 | 43.9 ft3 | 24.8 | 19.1 ft3 |
Cargo Volume, Maximum | 83.7 ft3 | 58.0 ft3 | 25.7 ft3 |
2006 Ford Explorer Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2006 | 4dr SUV 292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Have driven from Maryland to Florida and back a couple of times, as well as 3-4 hours trips routinely. Seats are comfortable with no backache and don't have to stop every couple of hours due to fatigue. Could drive and be comfortable all day long. see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range |
Lots of room. Great even in the 3rd rear bench see full Ford Explorer review |
2005 | 4dr SUV 210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD |
Plenty of leg room see full Ford Explorer review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Another surprising strength for the new BMW 3-Series. There's more room in back than in competing cars, and the seat is comfortably positioned and shaped. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. see full BMW 3-Series review |