1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2004 Opel Speedster
To start off, 2004 Opel Speedster 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 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Opel Speedster is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Opel Speedster (197 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 144 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Opel Speedster should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Taunus weights approximately 50 kg more than 2004 Opel Speedster.
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, 2004 Opel Speedster (250 Nm @ 1950 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2004 Opel Speedster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2004 Opel Speedster | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taunus | Speedster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1910 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1950 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1005 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 36 L |
