1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1961 MG Midget
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1961 MG Midget. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1961 MG Midget would be higher. At 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 1961 MG Midget. (46 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1961 MG Midget. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 665 kg more than 1961 MG Midget. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1961 MG Midget 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 1961 MG Midget. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1988 Ford Taurus (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 93 more torque (in Nm) than 1961 MG Midget. (84 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1961 MG Midget.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1961 MG Midget | |
| Make | Ford | MG |
| Model | Taurus | Midget |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1961 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 948 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 46 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 3480 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1372 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1232 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2032 mm |
