2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton would be higher. At 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (331 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 89 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2006 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, 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton (430 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2006 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2006 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 331 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 | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 2166 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 90 L |
