1989 BMW 850 vs. 1988 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1989 BMW 850 is newer by 1 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 4,988 cc (12 cylinders), 1989 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 BMW 850 (296 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (220 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Ford Taurus weights approximately 245 kg more than 1989 BMW 850.
Because 1989 BMW 850 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 1989 BMW 850. 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, 1989 BMW 850 (450 Nm @ 4100 RPM) has 179 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (271 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1988 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 220 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Top Speed | 246 km/hour | 225 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1255 kg | 1500 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 45 L |
