2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Volkswagen Sharan would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (207 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan weights approximately 698 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 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 2009 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Volkswagen Sharan, 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (254 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. (210 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Volkswagen Sharan. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1999 Volkswagen Sharan has manual transmission. 1999 Volkswagen Sharan will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1999 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 207 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 254 Nm | 210 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 4.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1740 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 70 L |
