2009 Ford Focus vs. 1978 Ford Taunus
To start off, 2009 Ford Focus 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Ford Focus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Focus (141 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 88 more horse power than 1978 Ford Taunus. (53 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Focus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Taunus weights approximately 89 kg more than 2009 Ford Focus.
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 Ford Focus, 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 Ford Focus (132 Nm @ 6000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Taunus. (91 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Focus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Focus | 1978 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Focus | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 53 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 132 Nm | 91 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 94 L |
