1989 Ford Taurus vs. 1999 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 1999 Nissan Xterra is newer by 10 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, 1999 Nissan Xterra (141 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1989 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1999 Nissan Xterra should accelerate faster than 1989 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 184 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 1999 Nissan Xterra 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, 1999 Nissan Xterra 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, 1999 Nissan Xterra (209 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 33 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 1999 Nissan Xterra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Ford Taurus | 1999 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1989 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 2393 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 209 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1400 kg | 1584 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4530 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1890 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2660 mm |
