1979 Ford Taunus vs. 2012 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Fiat Panda is newer by 33 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 1,293 cc (4 cylinders), 1979 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Fiat Panda (59 HP) has 2 more horse power than 1979 Ford Taunus. (57 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Fiat Panda weights approximately 105 kg more than 1979 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2012 Fiat Panda, 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 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Taunus. 2012 Fiat Panda has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Fiat Panda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1979 Ford Taunus | 2012 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Ford | Fiat |
| Model | Taunus | Panda |
| Year Released | 1979 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 57 HP | 59 HP |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 79 mm | 70.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 66 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1020 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1620 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2310 mm |
