1990 Ford Taurus vs. 2009 Toyota Highlander
To start off, 2009 Toyota Highlander is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 3,311 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Toyota Highlander is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Toyota Highlander (206 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 1990 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Ford Taurus weights approximately 74 kg more than 2009 Toyota Highlander.
Because 2009 Toyota Highlander is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Toyota Highlander 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, 2009 Toyota Highlander (212 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2009 Toyota Highlander will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Taurus | 2009 Toyota Highlander | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Highlander |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 3311 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 206 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 212 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline / Electric Hybrid |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 1330 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1770 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2800 mm |
