2006 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2006 Ford Explorer and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2006). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (148 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1598 kg more than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than 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, 2006 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. (220 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2006 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 2006 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 92.3 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 99.3 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1264 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2510 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
