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 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Explorer (292 HP @ 5700 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster. (217 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 884 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Ford Explorer. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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 (447 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (427 Nm @ 4000 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 | 4606 cc | 7206 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1850 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 |
