2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 4 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 40 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 326 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Because 2008 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 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 105 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Passat. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2012 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 | 2012 Volkswagen Passat | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Explorer | Passat |
Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4015 cc | 2500 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 | 345 Nm | 240 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed manual |
Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1436 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4769 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2712 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |