1976 Ford Taunus vs. 1998 Plymouth Neon
To start off, 1998 Plymouth Neon is newer by 22 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 1,996 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Plymouth Neon is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Plymouth Neon (131 HP @ 5850 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Plymouth Neon should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 5 kg more than 1998 Plymouth Neon.
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, 1998 Plymouth Neon, 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, 1998 Plymouth Neon (174 Nm @ 4950 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Plymouth Neon will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 1998 Plymouth Neon | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Taunus | Neon |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 1996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 131 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5850 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4950 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2650 mm |
