1988 Ford Taurus vs. 2003 Subaru Legacy
To start off, 2003 Subaru Legacy is newer by 15 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy (178 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Subaru Legacy should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 20 kg more than 2003 Subaru Legacy.
Because 2003 Subaru Legacy 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy 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, 2003 Subaru Legacy (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2003 Subaru Legacy will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2003 Subaru Legacy | |
| Make | Ford | Subaru |
| Model | Taurus | Legacy |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 1993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | boxer |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1380 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2680 mm |
