2002 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Mazda Montrose
To start off, 2002 Ford Taurus is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mazda Montrose. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 63 more horse power than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (90 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Mazda Montrose. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Taurus weights approximately 407 kg more than 1979 Mazda Montrose. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Mazda Montrose 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 1979 Mazda Montrose. 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 91 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mazda Montrose. (153 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mazda Montrose.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 1979 Mazda Montrose | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | Montrose |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 1968 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 153 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 1070 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
