2011 Ford Taurus vs. 1981 Toyota Corolla
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 195 more horse power than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (68 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1981 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 936 kg more than 1981 Toyota Corolla. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Toyota Corolla 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 1981 Toyota Corolla. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus, 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 232 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Toyota Corolla. (105 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Toyota Corolla.
Compare all specifications:
| 2011 Ford Taurus | 1981 Toyota Corolla | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Corolla |
| Year Released | 2011 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3500 cc | 1290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 68 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 337 Nm | 105 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1821 kg | 885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5154 mm | 4110 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1935 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1542 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2868 mm | 2410 mm |
