2006 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 6 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 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (140 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Because 2006 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Ford Explorer (407 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Explorer | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Golf |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 140 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 4.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 4.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
