1968 Ford 17 vs. 1987 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1987 Ford Taurus is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1968 Ford 17. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1968 Ford 17 would be higher. At 2,511 cc (4 cylinders), 1987 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Ford Taurus (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 1968 Ford 17. (85 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1968 Ford 17. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Taurus weights approximately 280 kg more than 1968 Ford 17. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1968 Ford 17 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 1968 Ford 17. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 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, 1987 Ford Taurus (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1968 Ford 17. (148 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1987 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1968 Ford 17.
Compare all specifications:
| 1968 Ford 17 | 1987 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | 17 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1968 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2511 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 148 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1120 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1480 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2700 mm |
