1977 Ford Taunus vs. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster
To start off, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1977 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1977 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1977 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster weights approximately 595 kg more than 1977 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1977 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will offer significantly more control. 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, 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster (237 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 146 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Taunus | 1981 Plymouth Trail Duster | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Taunus | Trail Duster |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1292 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
