2002 Ford Explorer vs. 1981 Buick Century
To start off, 2002 Ford Explorer is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Buick Century. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Buick Century would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Explorer (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 54 more horse power than 1981 Buick Century. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1981 Buick Century. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Explorer weights approximately 520 kg more than 1981 Buick Century. 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 1981 Buick Century. 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 (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 87 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Buick Century. (218 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Buick Century.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Explorer | 1981 Buick Century | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Explorer | Century |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 3214 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 218 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1430 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2760 mm |
