2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 147 more horse power than 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport. (145 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport weights approximately 729 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer.
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, 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport, 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 237 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport. (190 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport. 2009 Ford Explorer has automatic transmission and 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport has manual transmission. 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport 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 | 1995 Pontiac Trans Sport | |
| Make | Ford | Pontiac |
| Model | Explorer | Trans Sport |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1995 |
| Body Type | SUV | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 6 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1695 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2790 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 76 L |
