1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2008 Opel Vectra
To start off, 2008 Opel Vectra is newer by 32 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 2,792 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Opel Vectra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Opel Vectra (277 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 224 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Opel Vectra should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Opel Vectra weights approximately 468 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, 2008 Opel Vectra, 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, 2008 Opel Vectra (355 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Opel Vectra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2008 Opel Vectra | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taunus | Vectra |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2792 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 277 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 74.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1613 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2840 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 61 L |
