1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1978 Simca Horizon
To start off, 1978 Simca Horizon is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Simca Horizon (58 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 200 kg more than 1978 Simca Horizon.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1978 Simca Horizon, 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, 1976 Ford Taunus (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Simca Horizon. (89 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Taunus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Simca Horizon.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1978 Simca Horizon | |
| Make | Ford | Simca |
| Model | Taunus | Horizon |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1118 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 58 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 74.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 65 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 945 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2530 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 47 L |
