1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2005 Saturn Vue
To start off, 2005 Saturn Vue is newer by 27 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 2,198 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Saturn Vue is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Saturn Vue (143 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Saturn Vue should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Saturn Vue weights approximately 425 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, 2005 Saturn Vue, 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, 2005 Saturn Vue (206 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Saturn Vue will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2005 Saturn Vue | |
| Make | Ford | Saturn |
| Model | Taunus | Vue |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1445 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4610 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1700 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
