1977 Ford Taunus vs. 1988 Rover Vitesse
To start off, 1988 Rover Vitesse is newer by 11 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 2,675 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Rover Vitesse is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Rover Vitesse (178 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 125 more horse power than 1977 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Rover Vitesse should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Rover Vitesse weights approximately 407 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 1977 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 1977 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Rover Vitesse, 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, 1988 Rover Vitesse (229 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1988 Rover Vitesse will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Taunus | 1988 Rover Vitesse | |
| Make | Ford | Rover |
| Model | Taunus | Vitesse |
| Year Released | 1977 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1292 cc | 2675 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 229 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 87 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 75 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1427 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4700 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
