2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2004 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Volkswagen Golf. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Volkswagen Golf would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (238 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 582 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, 2004 Volkswagen Golf, 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 (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Volkswagen Golf. (320 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Volkswagen Golf.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2004 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Golf |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2004 |
| Body Type | SUV | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 3196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1548 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 11.4 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 15.8 L/100km | 12.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 62 L |
