1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2001 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2001 Jaguar XK is newer by 23 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 3,996 cc (8 cylinders), 2001 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Jaguar XK (290 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 237 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Jaguar XK weights approximately 515 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2001 Jaguar XK (393 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 302 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus. 2001 Jaguar XK 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. 2001 Jaguar XK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2001 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Taunus | XK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 3996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 393 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 10.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1570 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 3040 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 75 L |
