1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1972 Ford Gran Torino
To start off, 1976 Ford Taunus is newer by 4 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 6,553 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Gran Torino is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1972 Ford Gran Torino should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1972 Ford Gran Torino weights approximately 899 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1972 Ford Gran Torino (403 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Gran Torino will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 1972 Ford Gran Torino has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1972 Ford Gran Torino will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1972 Ford Gran Torino | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taunus | Gran Torino |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 6553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 403 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 2014 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 2010 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 3000 mm |
