2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1984 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Honda Civic 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 192 more horse power than 1984 Honda Civic. (100 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1984 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Explorer weights approximately 166 kg more than 1984 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ford Explorer is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Ford Explorer. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1984 Honda Civic, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1984 Honda Civic. (131 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1984 Honda Civic. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1984 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1984 Honda Civic 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 | 1984 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Explorer | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 131 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 3760 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1630 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2210 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 61 L |
