2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 2003 Ford Explorer and 2003 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Volkswagen Golf (238 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (236 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 534 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Ford Explorer (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 62 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Golf |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 236 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 96 mm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2082 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2470 mm |
