2008 Ford Explorer vs. 1981 Ford Capri
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Capri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Capri 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 50 more horse power than 1981 Ford Capri. (160 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Capri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 887 kg more than 1981 Ford Capri. 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 124 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Capri. (220 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Capri. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Capri has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Capri 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 | 1981 Ford Capri | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Explorer | Capri |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1981 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 2790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2077 kg | 1190 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4360 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 59 L |
