2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1979 Ford LTD
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford LTD. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford LTD would be higher. At 4,942 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Ford LTD is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 1979 Ford LTD. (129 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford LTD. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 25 kg more than 1979 Ford LTD. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1979 Ford LTD 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 Ford LTD. 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, 1979 Ford LTD (302 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1979 Ford LTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 1979 Ford LTD | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | LTD |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 302 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1560 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 5320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2910 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 72 L |
