1988 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Suzuki Equator
To start off, 2012 Suzuki Equator is newer by 24 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 3,954 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Suzuki Equator is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Suzuki Equator (261 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 172 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Suzuki Equator should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 105 kg more than 2012 Suzuki Equator.
Because 2012 Suzuki Equator 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 2012 Suzuki Equator. 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, 2012 Suzuki Equator (381 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Suzuki Equator will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Ford Taurus | 2012 Suzuki Equator | |
| Make | Ford | Suzuki |
| Model | Taurus | Equator |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 3954 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 261 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 177 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1295 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 5250 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1790 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 3200 mm |
