2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Ford Explorer. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Ford Explorer 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 41 more horse power than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (170 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 524 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. 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 2011 Volkswagen Jetta. (240 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Volkswagen Jetta.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 2011 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2011 |
| Body Type | SUV | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4009 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 211 HP | 170 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 7 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4557 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1781 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 18.1 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
