1978 Chevrolet Nova vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 4,093 cc (6 cylinders), 1978 Chevrolet Nova is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 102 more horse power than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 587 kg more than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Chevrolet Nova. (258 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Chevrolet Nova | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Nova | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4093 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| 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 | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 3320 mm |
