1971 De Tomaso Pantera vs. 1996 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 De Tomaso Pantera. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 De Tomaso Pantera would be higher. At 5,766 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 De Tomaso Pantera is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera (350 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 115 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 De Tomaso Pantera weights approximately 8 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 De Tomaso Pantera 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 1971 De Tomaso Pantera. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 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, 1971 De Tomaso Pantera (481 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1971 De Tomaso Pantera will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus. 1996 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1971 De Tomaso Pantera has manual transmission. 1971 De Tomaso Pantera will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1971 De Tomaso Pantera | 1996 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | De Tomaso | Ford |
| Model | Pantera | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1971 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 5766 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 350 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 481 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1600 kg | 1592 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4280 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1910 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1100 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
