2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2001 Volkswagen Sharan
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 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 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. (148 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2001 Volkswagen Sharan. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 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, 2001 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 2001 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 2001 Volkswagen Sharan.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2001 Volkswagen Sharan | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Sharan |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2001 |
| 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 | 6200 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 | Automatic |
| 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 |
