2009 Ford Explorer vs. 1999 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Plymouth Neon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Plymouth Neon 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 161 more horse power than 1999 Plymouth Neon. (131 HP @ 5850 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Explorer should accelerate faster than 1999 Plymouth Neon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Plymouth Neon weights approximately 143 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, 1999 Plymouth Neon, 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 253 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Plymouth Neon. (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Explorer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Plymouth Neon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Explorer | 1999 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Explorer | Neon |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1999 |
| Body Type | SUV | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4606 cc | 1994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 292 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1109 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1830 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 85 L | 79 L |
