1979 Dodge Aspen vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Aspen. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Aspen would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Aspen. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Dodge Aspen weights approximately 499 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 (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 196 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Dodge Aspen. (231 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Dodge Aspen.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Aspen | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Aspen | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3687 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 231 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Vehicle Weight | 1465 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5020 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2890 mm |
