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 208 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 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 247 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 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 | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4605 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 407 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4199 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 4.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
