1987 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
To start off, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is newer by 25 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 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (290 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1987 Ford Taurus. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee should accelerate faster than 1987 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee weights approximately 890 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 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1987 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee (352 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 60 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Ford Taurus. (292 Nm @ 2200 RPM). This means 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1987 Ford Taurus | 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee | |
| Make | Ford | Jeep |
| Model | Taurus | Grand Cherokee |
| Year Released | 1987 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3600 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 292 Nm | 352 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Flex Fuel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1470 kg | 2360 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4821 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1943 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2916 mm |
