1981 Ford Cortina vs. 2010 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2010 Ford Taurus is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 1981 Ford Cortina. (59 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Ford Taurus weights approximately 981 kg more than 1981 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 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, 2010 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Cortina. (92 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2010 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Cortina. 2010 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1981 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1981 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2010 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Ford Cortina | 2010 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Cortina | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2010 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1293 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 59 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 92 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2590 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 72 L |
