1978 Opel Manta vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 34 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Opel Manta. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Opel Manta would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 265 more horse power than 1978 Opel Manta. (100 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Opel Manta. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 931 kg more than 1978 Opel Manta. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Opel Manta. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 339 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Opel Manta. (135 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Opel Manta. 2012 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1978 Opel Manta has manual transmission. 1978 Opel Manta will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1978 Opel Manta | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Opel | Ford |
| Model | Manta | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1978 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1979 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 135 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1050 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 72 L |
