2001 Ford Taurus vs. 1976 Vauxhall Chevette
To start off, 2001 Ford Taurus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Vauxhall Chevette would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Taurus (201 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 145 more horse power than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. (56 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Ford Taurus weights approximately 650 kg more than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Vauxhall Chevette 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 Vauxhall Chevette. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 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, 2001 Ford Taurus (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. (89 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2001 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Vauxhall Chevette. 2001 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1976 Vauxhall Chevette has manual transmission. 1976 Vauxhall Chevette will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Taurus | 1976 Vauxhall Chevette | |
| Make | Ford | Vauxhall |
| Model | Taurus | Chevette |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 1256 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 56 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 89 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1580 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2400 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 45 L |
