1987 Ford Taurus vs. 2006 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2006 Nissan Altima is newer by 19 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 3,491 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Nissan Altima (260 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 171 more horse power than 1987 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Nissan Altima weights approximately 69 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2006 Nissan Altima (339 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 163 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2006 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Taurus | 2006 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Altima |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2511 cc | 3491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 339 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1469 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2810 mm |
