1984 BMW 323 vs. 1988 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 BMW 323. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 BMW 323 would be higher. At 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1984 BMW 323 (148 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1984 BMW 323 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 310 kg more than 1984 BMW 323.
Because 1984 BMW 323 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 1984 BMW 323. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1984 BMW 323 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1984 BMW 323 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1984 BMW 323 | 1988 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 323 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1984 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2314 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 205 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1090 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4330 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1650 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2700 mm |
