1989 Subaru Legacy vs. 2012 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2012 Ford Explorer is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Subaru Legacy. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Subaru Legacy would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Explorer (290 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (160 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1989 Subaru Legacy. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Explorer weights approximately 642 kg more than 1989 Subaru Legacy. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1989 Subaru Legacy is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2012 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Subaru Legacy 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, 2012 Ford Explorer (345 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Subaru Legacy. (245 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Subaru Legacy. 2012 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1989 Subaru Legacy has manual transmission. 1989 Subaru Legacy will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Subaru Legacy | 2012 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Subaru | Ford |
| Model | Legacy | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2211 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | V |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 345 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1425 kg | 2067 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4520 mm | 5006 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1700 mm | 2004 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1788 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2860 mm |
