1988 Ford Mustang vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 23 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 174 more horse power than 1988 Ford Mustang. (89 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 567 kg more than 1988 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1988 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 1988 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 161 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Mustang. (176 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Mustang | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2301 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1254 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4570 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1330 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2560 mm | 2868 mm |
