1990 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 22 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 3,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (237 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1990 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 1990 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 829 kg more than 1990 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1990 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton (500 Nm @ 1600 RPM) has 324 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Ford Taurus. (176 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Ford Taurus | 2012 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2513 cc | 3000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 237 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 176 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2600 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1404 kg | 2233 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 5059 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1903 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1901 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2700 mm | 2881 mm |
