1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2008 Toyota RAV4
To start off, 2008 Toyota RAV4 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 2,397 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Toyota RAV4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota RAV4 (166 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota RAV4 should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Toyota RAV4 weights approximately 215 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 Toyota RAV4, 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 Toyota RAV4 (224 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 75 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota RAV4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 2008 Toyota RAV4 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. 2008 Toyota RAV4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2008 Toyota RAV4 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taunus | RAV4 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1993 cc | 2397 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 149 Nm | 224 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 7 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1115 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1750 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2670 mm |
