1979 Ford Taunus vs. 1983 Ford Orion
To start off, 1983 Ford Orion is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,297 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Ford Orion is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Ford Orion (69 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 16 more horse power than 1979 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Ford Taunus weights approximately 235 kg more than 1983 Ford Orion.
Because 1979 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 1979 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Ford Orion, 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, 1983 Ford Orion (100 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Ford Orion will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Taunus | 1983 Ford Orion | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taunus | Orion |
| Year Released | 1979 | 1983 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1294 cc | 1297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 53 HP | 69 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 91 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 64.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4220 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2780 mm | 2410 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 94 L | 55 L |
