2002 Ford Explorer vs. 1978 Honda Accord

To start off, 2002 Ford Explorer is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Honda Accord would be higher. At 4,016 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 1978 Honda Accord. (80 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1003 kg more than 1978 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2002 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Ford Explorer (321 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Honda Accord. (126 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Honda Accord.

Compare all specifications:

2002 Ford Explorer 1978 Honda Accord
Make Ford Honda
Model Explorer Accord
Year Released 2002 1978
Body Type SUV Sedan
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 4016 cc 1602 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 210 HP 80 HP
Engine RPM 5250 RPM 5300 RPM
Torque 321 Nm 126 Nm
Torque RPM 3000 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 100.4 mm 77 mm
Engine Stroke Size 84.4 mm 86 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.7:1 8.4:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline
Drive Type 4WD Front
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1939 kg 936 kg
Vehicle Length 5240 mm 4350 mm
Vehicle Width 1830 mm 1620 mm
Vehicle Height 1790 mm 1370 mm
Wheelbase Size 3070 mm 2390 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 85 L 50 L