1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2006 Smart Roadster
To start off, 2006 Smart Roadster is newer by 28 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 1,294 cc (4 cylinders), 1978 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Smart Roadster (100 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Smart Roadster should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Taunus weights approximately 85 kg more than 2006 Smart Roadster.
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, 2006 Smart Roadster (130 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 39 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 Smart Roadster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2006 Smart Roadster | |
| Make | Ford | Smart |
| Model | Taunus | Roadster |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 696 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 130 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1620 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1200 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 35 L |
