1978 Buick Estate vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2003 Ford Explorer is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Buick Estate. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Buick Estate would be higher. At 5,736 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Buick Estate is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1978 Buick Estate. (153 HP @ 3400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Buick Estate. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 70 kg more than 1978 Buick Estate. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Buick Estate. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer will offer significantly more control. 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, 1978 Buick Estate (381 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Explorer. (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1978 Buick Estate will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Explorer. 1978 Buick Estate has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Buick Estate will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Buick Estate | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Buick | Ford |
| Model | Estate | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5736 cc | 3994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 381 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1880 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5510 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2840 mm |
