1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 5,210 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (150 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 727 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 Plymouth Valiant. 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 Plymouth Valiant (359 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Explorer. (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1972 Plymouth Valiant will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Plymouth Valiant | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Plymouth | Ford |
| Model | Valiant | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5210 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 150 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 359 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4800 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2860 mm |
