2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1970 Reliant Bug
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 39 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Reliant Bug. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Reliant Bug would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (260 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 229 more horse power than 1970 Reliant Bug. (31 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1970 Reliant Bug. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Taurus weights approximately 558 kg more than 1970 Reliant Bug. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1970 Reliant Bug 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 1970 Reliant Bug. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (249 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Reliant Bug. (52 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Reliant Bug. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1970 Reliant Bug has manual transmission. 1970 Reliant Bug will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1970 Reliant Bug | |
| Make | Ford | Reliant |
| Model | Taurus | Bug |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1970 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 701 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 31 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 249 Nm | 52 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.4:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 966 kg | 408 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 2800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 1960 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 23 L |
