2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1980 Opel Commodore
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 29 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Opel Commodore. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Opel Commodore 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 148 more horse power than 1980 Opel Commodore. (115 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1980 Opel Commodore. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1980 Opel Commodore weights approximately 90 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 1980 Opel Commodore 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 1980 Opel Commodore. 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 (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 159 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Opel Commodore. (179 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Opel Commodore. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1980 Opel Commodore has manual transmission. 1980 Opel Commodore 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 | 1980 Opel Commodore | |
| Make | Ford | Opel |
| Model | Taurus | Commodore |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 2488 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.4:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4740 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 76 L | 65 L |
