1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2008 Suzuki Jimny
To start off, 2008 Suzuki Jimny is newer by 30 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 1,461 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Suzuki Jimny is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Suzuki Jimny (85 HP @ 3750 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Suzuki Jimny should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Suzuki Jimny weights approximately 210 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 2008 Suzuki Jimny 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, 2008 Suzuki Jimny 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, 2008 Suzuki Jimny (200 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 108 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2008 Suzuki Jimny will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2008 Suzuki Jimny | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Taunus | Jimny |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2008 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 85 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 3750 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 200 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 76 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 80.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2260 mm |
