1988 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 Volkswagen GTD
To start off, 2011 Volkswagen GTD is newer by 23 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, 2011 Volkswagen GTD (168 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 79 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Volkswagen GTD should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Volkswagen GTD weights approximately 9 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, 2011 Volkswagen GTD (350 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 173 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2011 Volkswagen GTD will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2011 Volkswagen GTD | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | GTD |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 168 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1409 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4213 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1786 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1501 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2578 mm |
