2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 3 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 4,015 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 106 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 312 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Because 2008 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer 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 (345 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2011 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2011 Volkswagen Passat 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 | 2011 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Passat |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4015 cc | 1895 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1422 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 4.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 14.7 L/100km | 5.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
