2009 Volkswagen Beetle vs. 2010 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2010 Ford Explorer is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Volkswagen Beetle would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (114 HP @ 2400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Explorer weights approximately 831 kg more than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Beetle, 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, 2010 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 174 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle. (170 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Beetle | 2010 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Beetle | Explorer |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1984 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 2400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 2061 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4090 mm | 4912 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1849 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2888 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 85 L |
