2005 Volkswagen Passat vs. 2011 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2011 Ford Explorer is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (128 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2011 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 35 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen Passat. 2011 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen Passat will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Volkswagen Passat | 2011 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Passat | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 128 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 310 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4710 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 70 L |
