1988 Ford Taurus vs. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer
To start off, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is newer by 22 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2010 Mercury Mountaineer is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (210 HP @ 5100 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Mercury Mountaineer weights approximately 653 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 2010 Mercury Mountaineer 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 2010 Mercury Mountaineer. 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, 2010 Mercury Mountaineer (344 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 167 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2010 Mercury Mountaineer will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2010 Mercury Mountaineer | |
| Make | Ford | Mercury |
| Model | Taurus | Mountaineer |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 344 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 7 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 2053 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4915 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1826 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2888 mm |
