1976 Ford Taunus vs. 2012 Buick LaCrosse
To start off, 2012 Buick LaCrosse is newer by 36 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 3,600 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Buick LaCrosse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (303 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 244 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Buick LaCrosse should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus.
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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse, 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, 2012 Buick LaCrosse (358 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 266 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Buick LaCrosse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus. 2012 Buick LaCrosse 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. 2012 Buick LaCrosse will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Ford Taunus | 2012 Buick LaCrosse | |
| Make | Ford | Buick |
| Model | Taunus | LaCrosse |
| Year Released | 1976 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1297 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 303 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 358 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5001 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1857 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1504 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2837 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 68 L |
