1972 Ford Galaxie vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 40 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Galaxie. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Galaxie would be higher. At 5,765 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Galaxie is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1972 Ford Galaxie. (163 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Galaxie. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 198 kg more than 1972 Ford Galaxie. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Ford Galaxie 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 1972 Ford Galaxie. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer, 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, 1972 Ford Galaxie (375 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 30 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Galaxie will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Galaxie | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Galaxie | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5765 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 375 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1869 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5550 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3080 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 83 L | 70 L |
