2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, both 2008 Ford Explorer and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle were released in the same year (2008). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. 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 60 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 727 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 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, 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle, 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 113 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. (231 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2008 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2480 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1350 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
