2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 188 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 404 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, 2008 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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. (251 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Jetta. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Jetta 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 | 2008 Volkswagen Jetta | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Explorer | Jetta |
Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1896 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 292 HP | 104 HP |
Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Torque | 427 Nm | 251 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1370 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4560 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1790 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1470 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2580 mm |
Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 5.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |