2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (114 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 917 kg more than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Explorer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Golf, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Volkswagen Golf. (156 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2003 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Golf |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4210 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 7.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
