1970 Ford Taunus vs. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 7,206 cc (8 cylinders), 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (217 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 136 more horse power than 1970 Ford Taunus. (81 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1970 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 810 kg more than 1970 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1970 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster (447 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 321 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Ford Taunus. (126 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Ford Taunus | 1974 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Taunus | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1599 cc | 7206 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 81 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 126 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1040 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
