1970 Ford 12 M vs. 1987 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1987 Ford Taurus is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford 12 M. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford 12 M would be higher. At 2,511 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Taurus (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 40 more horse power than 1970 Ford 12 M. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford 12 M. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Taurus weights approximately 550 kg more than 1970 Ford 12 M. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Ford 12 M 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 1970 Ford 12 M. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Ford Taurus, 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, 1987 Ford Taurus (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 83 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford 12 M. (93 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford 12 M.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford 12 M | 1987 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 12 M | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1305 cc | 2511 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 49 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 93 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 850 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4320 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2530 mm | 2700 mm |
