2009 Kia Opirus vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 2009 Kia Opirus is newer by 33 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1976 Ford Taunus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1976 Ford Taunus would be higher. At 3,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Kia Opirus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Kia Opirus (200 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 133 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (67 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Kia Opirus should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Kia Opirus weights approximately 862 kg more than 1976 Ford Taunus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1976 Ford Taunus 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 1976 Ford Taunus. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Kia Opirus, 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 Kia Opirus (298 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (115 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 2009 Kia Opirus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Kia Opirus | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Kia | Ford |
| Model | Opirus | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 1593 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 200 HP | 67 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 298 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.1 mm | 87.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.8 mm | 66 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 1897 kg | 1035 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4990 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1490 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2580 mm |
