2001 Volkswagen New Beetle vs. 2005 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2005 Ford Explorer is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle would be higher. At 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (149 HP @ 5800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Ford Explorer weights approximately 754 kg more than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Ford Explorer 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, 2005 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2005 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2005 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Volkswagen New Beetle | 2005 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | New Beetle | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1786 cc | 4016 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 5 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 240 Nm | 321 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 100.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86.4 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1185 kg | 1939 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 5240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1520 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3010 mm | 3030 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
