2009 Ford Taurus X vs. 1978 Toyota Celica

To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus X is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Toyota Celica. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Toyota Celica would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus X is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus X (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 177 more horse power than 1978 Toyota Celica. (86 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X should accelerate faster than 1978 Toyota Celica. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Ford Taurus X weights approximately 112 kg more than 1978 Toyota Celica. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 1978 Toyota Celica 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 1978 Toyota Celica. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus X, 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 X (338 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 220 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Toyota Celica. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus X will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Toyota Celica. 2009 Ford Taurus X has automatic transmission and 1978 Toyota Celica has manual transmission. 1978 Toyota Celica will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus X will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.

Compare all specifications:

2009 Ford Taurus X 1978 Toyota Celica
Make Ford Toyota
Model Taurus X Celica
Year Released 2009 1978
Body Type Crossover Coupe
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3496 cc 1586 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Horse Power 263 HP 86 HP
Engine RPM 6250 RPM 5600 RPM
Torque 338 Nm 118 Nm
Torque RPM 4500 RPM 4000 RPM
Engine Compression Ratio 10.3:1 9.4:1
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Automatic Manual
Number of Seats 6 seats 4 seats
Number of Doors 4 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1107 kg 995 kg
Vehicle Length 5090 mm 4340 mm
Vehicle Width 1910 mm 1640 mm
Vehicle Height 1720 mm 1330 mm
Wheelbase Size 2870 mm 2510 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 72 L 60 L