2002 Ford Taurus vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2002 Ford Taurus is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina would be higher. At 2,933 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 67 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Taurus weights approximately 367 kg more than 1978 Ford Cortina. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Cortina 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 1978 Ford Cortina. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Ford Taurus (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 2002 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Cortina will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2580 mm |
