1987 Ford Taurus vs. 1997 Volkswagen W12
To start off, 1997 Volkswagen W12 is newer by 10 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 5,600 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Volkswagen W12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (420 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 331 more horse power than 1987 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Volkswagen W12 should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Ford Taurus weights approximately 200 kg more than 1997 Volkswagen W12.
Because 1997 Volkswagen W12 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 1997 Volkswagen W12. 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, 1997 Volkswagen W12 (719 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 543 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1997 Volkswagen W12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Taurus | 1997 Volkswagen W12 | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | W12 |
| Year Released | 1987 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2511 cc | 5600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | W |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 420 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 719 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1200 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1110 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2550 mm |
