2009 Fiat Grande Punto vs. 1978 Ford Taunus
To start off, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 1,368 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Fiat Grande Punto is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto (153 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Grande Punto weights approximately 260 kg more than 1978 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ford Taunus 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 Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto, 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, 2009 Fiat Grande Punto (230 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 138 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (92 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Grande Punto will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Fiat Grande Punto | 1978 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Fiat | Ford |
| Model | Grande Punto | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1368 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 92 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 72.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1020 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4040 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2580 mm |
