1978 Ford Taunus vs. 2013 Jaguar XK
To start off, 2013 Jaguar XK is newer by 35 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 5,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2013 Jaguar XK is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Jaguar XK (542 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 489 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Jaguar XK should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Jaguar XK weights approximately 830 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2013 Jaguar XK (681 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 589 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Jaguar XK will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Ford Taunus | 2013 Jaguar XK | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Taunus | XK |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 542 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 681 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1850 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4794 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 2032 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1322 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2752 mm |
