1997 Ford Explorer vs. 1997 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, both 1997 Ford Explorer and 1997 Volkswagen Passat were released in the same year (1997). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Ford Explorer (161 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Ford Explorer weights approximately 625 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Let's talk about torque, 1997 Ford Explorer (311 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 171 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Volkswagen Passat. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1997 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Ford Explorer | 1997 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Passat |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1997 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1594 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 161 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 311 Nm | 140 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1900 kg | 1275 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4680 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1840 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2710 mm |
