1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2009 Subaru Outback
To start off, 2009 Subaru Outback 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 2,999 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Subaru Outback is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Subaru Outback (245 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 192 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Subaru Outback should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Subaru Outback weights approximately 559 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 2009 Subaru Outback 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, 2009 Subaru Outback 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, 2009 Subaru Outback (292 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 201 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Subaru Outback will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus. 2009 Subaru Outback has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Subaru Outback will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2009 Subaru Outback | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Taunus | Outback |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 245 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 292 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1614 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4810 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1610 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 64 L |
