2009 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Toyota Celica
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Celica 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 1981 Toyota Celica. (115 HP @ 5400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Toyota Celica weights approximately 58 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Because 2009 Ford Taurus is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1981 Toyota Celica. 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 166 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Celica. (172 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Celica. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1981 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1981 Toyota Celica 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 | 1981 Toyota Celica | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Celica |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1981 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1988 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 115 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1107 kg | 1165 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2620 mm |
