2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta

To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 5 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 72 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (138 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 643 kg more than 2013 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, 2013 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 24 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (320 Nm @ 1750 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2013 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 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
Make Ford Volkswagen
Model Explorer Jetta
Year Released 2008 2013
Body Type SUV Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4013 cc 2000 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 210 HP 138 HP
Engine RPM 5100 RPM 4000 RPM
Torque 344 Nm 320 Nm
Torque RPM 3700 RPM 1750 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 9.7:1 16.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Diesel
Drive Type Rear Front
Transmission Type Automatic 6-speed manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 2077 kg 1434 kg
Vehicle Length 5350 mm 4628 mm
Vehicle Width 1880 mm 1778 mm
Vehicle Height 1850 mm 1453 mm
Wheelbase Size 3320 mm 2651 mm
Fuel Consumption Highway 11.8 L/100km 4.6 L/100km
Fuel Consumption City 16.8 L/100km 6.7 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 85 L 55 L


 

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