1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1995 Volvo 850
To start off, 1995 Volvo 850 is newer by 19 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 2,317 cc (5 cylinders), 1995 Volvo 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Volvo 850 (251 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 198 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1995 Volvo 850 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1995 Volvo 850 weights approximately 400 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 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, 1995 Volvo 850, 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, 1995 Volvo 850 (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 259 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1995 Volvo 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1995 Volvo 850 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Taunus | 850 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1995 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2317 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.5:1 |
| 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 | 1545 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 73 L |
