1986 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Mazda RX-7
To start off, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 137 more horse power than 1986 Ford Taurus. (101 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 1986 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Ford Taurus weights approximately 90 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
Because 1996 Mazda RX-7 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 1996 Mazda RX-7. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 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, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 109 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Ford Taurus. (187 Nm @ 2700 RPM). This means 1996 Mazda RX-7 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1986 Ford Taurus | 1996 Mazda RX-7 | |
| Make | Ford | Mazda |
| Model | Taurus | RX-7 |
| Year Released | 1986 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 2616 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 101 HP | 238 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4290 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2430 mm |
