1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1969 Maserati Mistral
To start off, 1988 Ford Taurus is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1969 Maserati Mistral. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1969 Maserati Mistral would be higher. At 4,014 cc (6 cylinders), 1969 Maserati Mistral is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1969 Maserati Mistral (252 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1969 Maserati Mistral should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 135 kg more than 1969 Maserati Mistral.
Because 1969 Maserati Mistral 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 1969 Maserati Mistral. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 1969 Maserati Mistral (363 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 186 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1969 Maserati Mistral will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1969 Maserati Mistral | |
| Make | Ford | Maserati |
| Model | Taurus | Mistral |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1969 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 4014 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 363 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1265 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1190 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2410 mm |
