2009 Volkswagen Golf vs. 1976 Ford Taunus
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen Golf 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 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 1976 Ford Taunus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Volkswagen Golf (197 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 101 more horse power than 1976 Ford Taunus. (96 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen Golf should accelerate faster than 1976 Ford Taunus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen Golf weights approximately 164 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 Volkswagen Golf, 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 Volkswagen Golf (280 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 128 more torque (in Nm) than 1976 Ford Taunus. (152 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen Golf will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1976 Ford Taunus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Volkswagen Golf | 1976 Ford Taunus | |
| Make | Volkswagen | Ford |
| Model | Golf | Taunus |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1976 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1982 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 96 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90.8 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 92.9 mm | 77 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1224 kg | 1060 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4220 mm | 4350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1330 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 54 L |
