2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (225 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 179 kg more than 2008 Ford Explorer. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2012 Volkswagen Touareg (550 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 206 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 2012 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 225 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 550 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 2256 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4796 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1941 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1732 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2893 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 100 L |
