2009 BMW Z4 vs. 1979 Ford Taunus
To start off, 2009 BMW Z4 is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 2,494 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 BMW Z4 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW Z4 (215 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1979 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW Z4 should accelerate faster than 1979 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW Z4 weights approximately 180 kg more than 1979 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 BMW Z4 (250 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW Z4 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Ford Taunus. 2009 BMW Z4 has automatic transmission and 1979 Ford Taunus has manual transmission. 1979 Ford Taunus will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW Z4 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW Z4 | 1979 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | Z4 | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2494 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 215 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1290 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4100 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2500 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 94 L |
