1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2004 Ford Escape
To start off, 2004 Ford Escape is newer by 26 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 1,987 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Ford Escape is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Escape (128 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Escape should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Escape weights approximately 438 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 2004 Ford Escape 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, 2004 Ford Escape 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, 2004 Ford Escape (162 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 70 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Escape will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2004 Ford Escape | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taunus | Escape |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 128 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 84.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 88 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1458 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
