1979 Chevrolet Caprice vs. 2008 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Chevrolet Caprice would be higher. At 5,002 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Chevrolet Caprice is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (148 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 357 kg more than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. 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 11 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice. (333 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Chevrolet Caprice.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Chevrolet Caprice | 2008 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Caprice | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5002 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 333 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 2077 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5460 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1850 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 3320 mm |
