1977 Ford Taunus vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 is newer by 26 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 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 3 (143 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1977 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1977 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 290 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, 2003 Mazda 3, 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, 2003 Mazda 3 (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 96 more torque (in Nm) than 1977 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1977 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1977 Ford Taunus | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taunus | 3 |
| Year Released | 1977 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1292 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
