2006 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Ford Explorer would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 120 more horse power than 2006 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1631 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton.
Because 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2006 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Explorer. 2006 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 430 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2862 kg | 1231 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 90 L |
