1978 Ford Taunus vs. 1983 Ford Tempo
To start off, 1983 Ford Tempo is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,307 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Tempo is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Tempo (89 HP @ 4700 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Tempo should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Ford Tempo weights approximately 90 kg more than 1978 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Tempo, 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, 1983 Ford Tempo (170 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Tempo will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus. 1983 Ford Tempo has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1983 Ford Tempo will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 1983 Ford Tempo | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taunus | Tempo |
| Year Released | 1978 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2307 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4700 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 170 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2540 mm |
