1961 Ford Taunus vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber is newer by 51 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Caliber (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1961 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 4250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1961 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 406 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, 2012 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2012 Dodge Caliber (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 Ford Taunus. (111 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1961 Ford Taunus | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Taunus | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1961 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1497 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4250 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2640 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 51 L |
