1968 Dodge Polara vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 41 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Dodge Polara. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Dodge Polara would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1968 Dodge Polara is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1968 Dodge Polara. (230 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1968 Dodge Polara. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1968 Dodge Polara weights approximately 508 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1968 Dodge Polara. 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, 1968 Dodge Polara (461 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1968 Dodge Polara will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Dodge Polara | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Polara | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1968 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 230 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 461 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 972 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5410 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 75 L | 85 L |
