2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 1222 kg more than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2008 Ford Explorer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 255 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Vauxhall Chevette. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1978 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1978 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Explorer | 1978 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Explorer | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 1255 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 45 L |
