2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1978 Ford Cortina
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ford Cortina. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ford Cortina 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 (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1978 Ford Cortina. (86 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1978 Ford Cortina. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ford Cortina weights approximately 3 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1978 Ford Cortina. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus will offer significantly more control. 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 (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 197 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Ford Cortina. (141 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Ford Cortina. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1978 Ford Cortina has manual transmission. 1978 Ford Cortina 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 | 1978 Ford Cortina | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Cortina |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 86 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 141 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2580 mm |
