1979 Dodge Mirada vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Dodge Mirada. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Dodge Mirada would be higher. At 5,209 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Dodge Mirada is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 1979 Dodge Mirada. (145 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Dodge Mirada. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 121 kg more than 1979 Dodge Mirada. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Dodge Mirada 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 1979 Dodge Mirada. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus, 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, 1979 Dodge Mirada (343 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1979 Dodge Mirada will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Dodge Mirada | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Mirada | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5209 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 145 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 343 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1600 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1700 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5330 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2868 mm |
