2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1978 Triumph TR7
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Triumph TR7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Triumph TR7 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 186 more horse power than 1978 Triumph TR7. (106 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1978 Triumph TR7. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Triumph TR7 weights approximately 79 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 265 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Triumph TR7. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Triumph TR7. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1978 Triumph TR7 has manual transmission. 1978 Triumph TR7 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1978 Triumph TR7 | |
| Make | Ford | Triumph |
| Model | Explorer | TR7 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Body Type | SUV | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 106 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1045 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1270 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2170 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 55 L |
