1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1979 Volkswagen Beetle
To start off, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle is newer by 3 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 1,593 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Ford Taunus (67 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (43 HP @ 4100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Ford Taunus should accelerate faster than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 215 kg more than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1979 Volkswagen Beetle, 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 (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle. (86 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Ford Taunus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Volkswagen Beetle.
Compare all specifications:
1976 Ford Taunus | 1979 Volkswagen Beetle | |
Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
Model | Taunus | Beetle |
Year Released | 1976 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1593 cc | 1285 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 67 HP | 43 HP |
Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4100 RPM |
Torque | 115 Nm | 86 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 3000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Vehicle Weight | 1035 kg | 820 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4070 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1560 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |