1972 Ford Gran Torino vs. 2009 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 37 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Gran Torino. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Gran Torino would be higher. At 4,095 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 168 more horse power than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (95 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 571 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1972 Ford Gran Torino 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 1972 Ford Gran Torino. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. (245 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Ford Gran Torino. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Gran Torino has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1972 Ford Gran Torino | 2009 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Gran Torino | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1972 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4095 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 95 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1681 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5370 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3000 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 76 L |
