1996 Ford Taurus vs. 1972 Plymouth Valiant
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Plymouth Valiant. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Plymouth Valiant would be higher. At 3,678 cc (6 cylinders), 1972 Plymouth Valiant is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 126 more horse power than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (109 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 282 kg more than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 Plymouth Valiant 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 1972 Plymouth Valiant. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1996 Ford Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 1972 Plymouth Valiant. (251 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1972 Plymouth Valiant.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 1972 Plymouth Valiant | |
| Make | Ford | Plymouth |
| Model | Taurus | Valiant |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1972 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 3678 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 109 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 86.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 104.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 60 L |
