1961 Ford Taunus vs. 1989 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1989 Ford Tempo is newer by 28 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 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Ford Tempo (96 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1961 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Ford Tempo weights approximately 190 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.
Because 1961 Ford Taunus 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 1961 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1989 Ford Tempo, 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, 1989 Ford Tempo (175 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 64 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Taunus | 1989 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taunus | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1989 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 175 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 7.1:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1150 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2540 mm |
