1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2005 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 2005 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 29 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Jaguar XK8 (294 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 241 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 565 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2005 Jaguar XK8 (411 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 320 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 2005 Jaguar XK8 has automatic transmission and 1976 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1976 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Jaguar XK8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2005 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Taunus | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 294 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 411 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1145 kg | 1710 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 75 L |
