2004 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Sharan is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Explorer (239 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (168 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 496 kg more than 2004 Ford Explorer.
Because 2004 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Explorer (382 Nm) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan. (350 Nm). This means 2004 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Explorer | 2011 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 239 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 382 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1298 kg | 1794 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4854 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1904 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1820 mm | 1720 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2919 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.5 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 17 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.9 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
