1989 Ford Taurus vs. 1998 Kia Retona
To start off, 1998 Kia Retona is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 2,513 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Kia Retona (90 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1989 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Kia Retona should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Kia Retona weights approximately 470 kg more than 1989 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Kia Retona is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1989 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Kia Retona will offer significantly more control. 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, 1998 Kia Retona (205 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 29 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1998 Kia Retona will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Taurus | 1998 Kia Retona | |
| Make | Ford | Kia |
| Model | Taurus | Retona |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1870 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4010 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1840 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2370 mm |
