2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 28 more horse power than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 854 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Both vehicles are four wheel drive (4WD) - it offers better handling, traction, and control in all driving conditions compared with front wheel drive or rear 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (414 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Explorer | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1974 |
| Body Type | SUV | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4007 cc | 6555 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 344 Nm | 414 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1820 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2700 mm |
