1981 Honda Ballade vs. 2013 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2013 Ford Taurus is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Honda Ballade. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Honda Ballade would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2013 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Ford Taurus (284 HP) has 217 more horse power than 1981 Honda Ballade. (67 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Honda Ballade. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Ford Taurus weights approximately 1049 kg more than 1981 Honda Ballade. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2013 Ford Taurus (344 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 236 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Honda Ballade. (108 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2013 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Honda Ballade. 2013 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1981 Honda Ballade has manual transmission. 1981 Honda Ballade will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2013 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Honda Ballade | 2013 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Honda | Ford |
| Model | Ballade | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2013 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1334 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 3 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 67 HP | 284 HP |
| Torque | 108 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 785 kg | 1834 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4150 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1610 mm | 2177 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2330 mm | 2868 mm |
