2012 Ford Explorer vs. 2012 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, both 2012 Ford Explorer and 2012 Volkswagen Golf were released in the same year (2012). Therefore the support and the availability on parts for both vehicles should be relatively similar. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 206 more horse power than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (84 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 651 kg more than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2012 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. (160 Nm @ 1500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Volkswagen Golf. 2012 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2012 Volkswagen Golf has manual transmission. 2012 Volkswagen Golf will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Ford Explorer | 2012 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Explorer | Golf |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2012 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 84 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 345 Nm | 160 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2067 kg | 1416 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5006 mm | 4246 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2004 mm | 1782 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1788 mm | 1423 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2578 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.4 L/100km | 5.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 55 L |
