1988 Ford Taurus vs. 2009 Nissan Altima
To start off, 2009 Nissan Altima is newer by 21 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 3,490 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Nissan Altima is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Nissan Altima (270 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 181 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Nissan Altima should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Nissan Altima weights approximately 46 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.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Nissan Altima (350 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Nissan Altima will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2009 Nissan Altima | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Altima |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 3490 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2680 mm |
