1988 Ford Taurus vs. 2001 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2001 Toyota Highlander is newer by 13 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 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Toyota Highlander (148 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Toyota Highlander weights approximately 285 kg more than 1988 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1988 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Toyota Highlander 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, 2001 Toyota Highlander (221 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2001 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2001 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 2360 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 221 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1685 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1690 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2730 mm |
