1978 Ford Falcon 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 Ford Falcon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Falcon would be higher. At 3,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 29 more horse power than 1978 Ford Falcon. (129 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Falcon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 570 kg more than 1978 Ford Falcon. 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 Ford Falcon. 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, 2003 Ford Explorer (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Falcon. (263 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Falcon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Falcon | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Falcon | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3273 cc | 3994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 129 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 263 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2840 mm |
