2009 Ford Explorer vs. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 2013 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 4 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 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 95 more horse power than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (197 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Volkswagen Jetta weights approximately 445 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 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 (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. (281 Nm @ 1700 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Volkswagen Jetta. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2013 Volkswagen Jetta has manual transmission. 2013 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 | 2013 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Jetta |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2013 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 281 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 972 kg | 1417 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4628 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1778 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2651 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 12.4 L/100km | 6.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.8 L/100km | 9.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
