1972 Chevrolet Chevelle vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle would be higher. At 5,012 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (130 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 522 kg more than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. (312 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle has manual transmission. 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Chevelle | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5012 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 130 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5120 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3320 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 72 L | 85 L |
