2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Explorer 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 40 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 759 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 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, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta, 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 103 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. (241 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Jetta. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2009 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2009 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| 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 | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 241 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1318 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 11.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
