1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2003 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2003 Nissan Altima 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 2,488 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Nissan Altima (180 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 127 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Nissan Altima weights approximately 270 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, 2003 Nissan Altima, 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 Nissan Altima (231 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 139 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2003 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taunus | Altima |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 180 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 231 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 100 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1290 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4890 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2810 mm |
