1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2003 Land Rover Discovery
To start off, 2003 Land Rover Discovery is newer by 25 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 4,553 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Land Rover Discovery is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Land Rover Discovery (217 HP @ 4750 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Land Rover Discovery should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Land Rover Discovery weights approximately 1055 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 2003 Land Rover Discovery is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Taunus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Land Rover Discovery 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, 2003 Land Rover Discovery (407 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 315 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Land Rover Discovery will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus. 2003 Land Rover Discovery 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. 2003 Land Rover Discovery will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2003 Land Rover Discovery | |
| Make | Ford | Land Rover |
| Model | Taunus | Discovery |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 4553 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 407 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 2075 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4720 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1950 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2550 mm |
