1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2011 BMW 325
To start off, 2011 BMW 325 is newer by 33 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 BMW 325 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 BMW 325 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 BMW 325 weights approximately 655 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 2011 BMW 325 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, 2011 BMW 325 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, 2011 BMW 325 (250 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2011 BMW 325 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Taunus | 325 |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2494 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 250 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 82 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.8 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2770 mm |
