2004 Ford Explorer vs. 1978 Nissan Silvia
To start off, 2004 Ford Explorer is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Nissan Silvia. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Nissan Silvia would be higher. At 3,996 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Explorer (158 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 61 more horse power than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (97 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Nissan Silvia. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Explorer weights approximately 960 kg more than 1978 Nissan Silvia. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Ford Explorer is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Nissan Silvia. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Explorer (306 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Nissan Silvia. (148 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Nissan Silvia. 1978 Nissan Silvia has automatic transmission and 2004 Ford Explorer has manual transmission. 2004 Ford Explorer will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1978 Nissan Silvia will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Explorer | 1978 Nissan Silvia | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Explorer | Silvia |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3996 cc | 1770 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 97 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 306 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1950 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1730 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2350 mm |
