1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1986 Ford Orion
To start off, 1986 Ford Orion is newer by 10 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 1,608 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1986 Ford Orion (104 HP) has 47 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1986 Ford Orion should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 126 kg more than 1986 Ford Orion.
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, 1986 Ford Orion, 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, 1986 Ford Orion (137 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1986 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taunus | Orion |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1608 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 104 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 63 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.2:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 894 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4070 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 48 L |
