2008 Ford Explorer vs. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am
To start off, 2008 Ford Explorer is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Pontiac Trans Am would be higher. At 5,733 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Pontiac Trans Am is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. (153 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Explorer weights approximately 357 kg more than 2001 Pontiac Trans Am. 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, 2001 Pontiac Trans Am (455 Nm) has 111 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm). This means 2001 Pontiac Trans Am will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Explorer. 2008 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 2001 Pontiac Trans Am has manual transmission. 2001 Pontiac Trans Am 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 | 2001 Pontiac Trans Am | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Trans Am |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Body Type | SUV | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4013 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 455 Nm |
| 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 | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5350 mm | 4970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3320 mm | 2570 mm |
