2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 (211 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle weights approximately 332 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. (240 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle has manual transmission. 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle 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 | 2005 Volkswagen New Beetle | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | New Beetle |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2005 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 1983 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1298 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.4 L/100km | 5.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
