2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 36 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Plymouth Barracuda would be higher. At 4,606 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Ford Explorer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 184 more horse power than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1973 Plymouth Barracuda weights approximately 439 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 2009 Ford Explorer (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda. (251 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Plymouth Barracuda.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1973 Plymouth Barracuda | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Explorer | Barracuda |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 3686 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1405 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2760 mm |
