1986 Ford Taurus vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 1986 Ford Taurus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore would be higher. At 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1986 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1980 Opel Commodore (115 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 1986 Ford Taurus. (101 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1980 Opel Commodore should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Taurus weights approximately 200 kg more than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Because 1980 Opel Commodore 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 1980 Opel Commodore. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Ford Taurus, 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, 1986 Ford Taurus (187 Nm @ 2700 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 1986 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Taurus | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taurus | Commodore |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2670 mm |
