1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2012 Dodge Caliber
To start off, 2012 Dodge Caliber is newer by 34 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Dodge Caliber is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Dodge Caliber (158 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Dodge Caliber should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Dodge Caliber weights approximately 311 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, 2012 Dodge Caliber, 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, 2012 Dodge Caliber (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 100 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2012 Dodge Caliber will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2012 Dodge Caliber | |
| Make | Ford | Dodge |
| Model | Taunus | Caliber |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | CVT |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1055 kg | 1366 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4415 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1748 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1534 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2634 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 51 L |
