1961 Ford Taunus vs. 1972 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1972 Ford Mustang is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 4,090 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Mustang (100 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1961 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Mustang weights approximately 490 kg more than 1961 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1972 Ford Mustang (254 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Taunus | 1972 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taunus | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 4090 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 254 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 74 L |
