2003 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, both 2003 Ford Explorer and 2003 Volkswagen Touareg were released in the same year (2003). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 365 kg more than 2003 Ford Explorer.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Volkswagen Touareg (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (335 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4014 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 335 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 100.4 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.4 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1939 kg | 2304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5240 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1790 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3490 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 100 L |
