1996 Ford Aerostar vs. 1981 Plymouth Horizon
To start off, 1996 Ford Aerostar is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Plymouth Horizon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Plymouth Horizon would be higher. At 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Ford Aerostar is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Aerostar (133 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (62 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Aerostar should accelerate faster than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Aerostar weights approximately 515 kg more than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ford Aerostar is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Ford Aerostar. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Horizon, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 Ford Aerostar (217 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 102 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Plymouth Horizon. (115 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Aerostar will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Plymouth Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Aerostar | 1981 Plymouth Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Aerostar | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Minivan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1715 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 133 HP | 62 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 217 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1515 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1860 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2530 mm |
