1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A
To start off, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A 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 2,034 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mercedes-Benz A is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A (134 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A weights approximately 205 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 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A, 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, 2011 Mercedes-Benz A (185 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2011 Mercedes-Benz A will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A 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. 2011 Mercedes-Benz A will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
1978 Ford Taunus | 2011 Mercedes-Benz A | |
Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Taunus | A |
Year Released | 1978 | 2011 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2034 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Horse Power | 53 HP | 134 HP |
Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5750 RPM |
Torque | 92 Nm | 185 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1225 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3840 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1770 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1600 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2570 mm |