1985 Ford Escort vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1985 Ford Escort is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,993 cc (6 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Ford Escort (132 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (89 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Ford Taunus weights approximately 35 kg more than 1985 Ford Escort.
Because 1976 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 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 Ford Escort, 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, 1985 Ford Escort (180 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 31 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (149 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1985 Ford Escort will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Ford Escort | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1985 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 132 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 149 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2750 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1080 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4070 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2590 mm |
