1961 Ford Taunus vs. 2008 Hyundai Elantra
To start off, 2008 Hyundai Elantra is newer by 47 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 1,991 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Hyundai Elantra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Hyundai Elantra (111 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 58 more horse power than 1961 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Hyundai Elantra should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Hyundai Elantra weights approximately 228 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, 2008 Hyundai Elantra, 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, 2008 Hyundai Elantra (236 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 125 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2008 Hyundai Elantra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Taunus | 2008 Hyundai Elantra | |
| Make | Ford | Hyundai |
| Model | Taunus | Elantra |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 236 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1188 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
