1999 BMW 323 vs. 1978 Ford Taunus
To start off, 1999 BMW 323 is newer by 21 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 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 BMW 323 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1999 BMW 323 (170 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1999 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 BMW 323 weights approximately 410 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.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1999 BMW 323 (245 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 153 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1999 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 BMW 323 | 1978 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 1999 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 66 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
