1983 Austin Ambassador vs. 1978 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1983 Austin Ambassador is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,698 cc (4 cylinders), 1983 Austin Ambassador is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Austin Ambassador (83 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 30 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Austin Ambassador should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Austin Ambassador weights approximately 150 kg more than 1978 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 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 1978 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1983 Austin Ambassador, 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 Austin Ambassador (131 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1983 Austin Ambassador will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Austin Ambassador | 1978 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Austin | Ford |
| Model | Ambassador | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1698 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 131 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1205 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2500 mm |
