1989 BMW 850 vs. 1991 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1991 Ford Taurus is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 BMW 850 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 207 more horse power than 1991 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1989 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1991 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 BMW 850 weights approximately 392 kg more than 1991 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1991 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 274 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1989 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 BMW 850 | 1991 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1991 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4988 cc | 2512 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 296 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 450 Nm | 176 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4100 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1792 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 2700 mm |
