2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2009 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat (248 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 38 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 417 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Passat.
Because 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2009 Volkswagen Passat 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Passat. (320 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2009 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2009 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 248 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1660 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 9.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
