1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1985 Volkswagen Jetta
To start off, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta is newer by 9 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 1,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (109 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 189 kg more than 1985 Volkswagen Jetta.
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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta, 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, 1985 Volkswagen Jetta (156 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Volkswagen Jetta will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1985 Volkswagen Jetta | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | Jetta |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1779 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 156 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 926 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2480 mm |
