1988 Ford Taurus vs. 1996 Renault Spider
To start off, 1996 Renault Spider is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,985 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Ford Taurus (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1996 Renault Spider. (141 HP @ 5750 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Renault Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 510 kg more than 1996 Renault Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Renault Spider 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 1996 Renault Spider. 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, 1988 Ford Taurus (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 86 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Renault Spider. (185 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Renault Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 1996 Renault Spider | |
| Make | Ford | Renault |
| Model | Taurus | Spider |
| Year Released | 1988 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 185 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 3800 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2350 mm |
