1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2008 Rover 45
To start off, 2008 Rover 45 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 1,396 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Rover 45 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Rover 45 (102 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 49 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Rover 45 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Rover 45 weights approximately 37 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 Rover 45, 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 Rover 45 (123 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Rover 45 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2008 Rover 45 | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Taunus | 45 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1396 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 102 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 123 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4370 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 55 L |
