2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
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 Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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 30 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 227 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2003 Volkswagen Touareg has manual transmission. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 19.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 2304 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 100 L |
