1973 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1973 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1973 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2008 Ford Explorer. (210 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1973 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 727 kg more than 1973 De Tomaso Pantera.
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, 1973 De Tomaso Pantera (525 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 181 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1973 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1973 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1973 De Tomaso Pantera 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:
| 1973 De Tomaso Pantera | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Ford |
| Model | Pantera | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1973 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 525 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1110 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 3320 mm |
