2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1978 Toyota Starlet
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Starlet. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Starlet would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 98 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (55 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Starlet. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 810 kg more than 1978 Toyota Starlet. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Toyota Starlet 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 Toyota Starlet. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Ford Taurus (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Starlet. (84 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2004 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Starlet. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Starlet has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Starlet will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 1978 Toyota Starlet | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Starlet |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 1166 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 55 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 84 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 775 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 3690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1530 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
