2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat
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 Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 4,007 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 415 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (250 Nm @ 1900 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2008 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Passat |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4007 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1381 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.1 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 62 L |
