1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2009 Mazda 5
To start off, 2009 Mazda 5 is newer by 31 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 2,260 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda 5 (154 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda 5 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus.
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, 2009 Mazda 5, 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, 2009 Mazda 5 (201 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda 5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2009 Mazda 5 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taunus | 5 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2260 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 154 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 201 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 87.5 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 | 6 seats |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1640 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2760 mm |
