1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1988 Volkswagen Golf
To start off, 1988 Volkswagen Golf is newer by 12 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (157 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 68 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 80 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.
Because 1988 Volkswagen Golf is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1976 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Volkswagen Golf will offer significantly more control. 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, 1988 Volkswagen Golf (225 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1988 Volkswagen Golf | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taunus | Golf |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1763 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 157 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1195 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2490 mm |
