1988 Ford Taurus vs. 2005 Jaguar XK8
To start off, 2005 Jaguar XK8 is newer by 17 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 4,195 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Jaguar XK8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Jaguar XK8 (294 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (220 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Jaguar XK8 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Jaguar XK8 weights approximately 345 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 2005 Jaguar XK8 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 2005 Jaguar XK8. 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, 2005 Jaguar XK8 (411 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 140 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2005 Jaguar XK8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2005 Jaguar XK8 | |
| Make | Ford | Jaguar |
| Model | Taurus | XK8 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2985 cc | 4195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 220 HP | 294 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 271 Nm | 411 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80 mm | 90.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 250 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 2020 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2590 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 45 L | 75 L |
