1981 Ferrari 308 vs. 2003 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2003 Ford Explorer is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 4,605 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 308 (238 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2003 Ford Explorer. (236 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 802 kg more than 1981 Ferrari 308.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ferrari 308. 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 (382 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 308. (260 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 308. 2003 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 308 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 308 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ferrari 308 | 2003 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Ferrari | Ford |
| Model | 308 | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | SUV |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2926 cc | 4605 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 382 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 71 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 2082 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2350 mm | 2840 mm |
