2003 Ford Explorer vs. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre
To start off, 2003 Ford Explorer is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre would be higher. At 3,994 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Explorer (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. (150 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Explorer weights approximately 315 kg more than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. 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 (305 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. (276 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Explorer | 1973 Rover 3.5 Litre | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Explorer | 3.5 Litre |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3994 cc | 3532 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 276 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 1635 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2820 mm |
