2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Ford Escort
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ford Escort 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 193 more horse power than 1981 Ford Escort. (70 HP @ 4600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Taurus weights approximately 153 kg more than 1981 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Ford Escort. 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 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ford Escort. (121 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Ford Taurus | 1981 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Escort |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 70 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 954 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2400 mm |
