2011 Ford Explorer vs. 2003 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2011 Ford Explorer is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Volkswagen Touareg would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 110 more horse power than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg. (180 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2003 Volkswagen Touareg.
Because 2003 Volkswagen Touareg is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2011 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2003 Volkswagen Touareg (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford Explorer | 2003 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Touareg |
| Year Released | 2011 | 2003 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 2495 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5006 mm | 4760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2004 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1788 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 100 L |
