1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1974 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Chevrolet Nova weights approximately 524 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Nova | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1974 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4007 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 258 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2890 mm |
