1961 Ford Taunus vs. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is newer by 36 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 2,189 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (120 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1961 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 255 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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier, 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, 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Taunus | 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Taunus | Cavalier |
| Year Released | 1961 | 1997 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 2189 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 120 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 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 |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1215 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
