1987 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Ford Mustang
To start off, 1996 Ford Mustang is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 4,655 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Mustang (215 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 1987 Ford Taurus. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Mustang weights approximately 77 kg more than 1987 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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, 1996 Ford Mustang (386 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Taurus. (292 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Taurus | 1996 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Mustang |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 4655 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 386 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 1547 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2580 mm |
