1988 BMW M3 vs. 2000 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2000 Ford Taurus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,961 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP) has 20 more horse power than 2000 Ford Taurus. (201 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2000 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Ford Taurus weights approximately 306 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 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, 2000 Ford Taurus (251 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2000 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3. 2000 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1988 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1988 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2000 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | M3 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2961 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 201 HP |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
