1994 Ford Thunderbird vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 3,791 cc (6 cylinders), 1994 Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 227 more horse power than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 361 kg more than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus 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 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 183 more torque (in Nm) than 1994 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1994 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1994 Ford Thunderbird | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Thunderbird | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1994 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3791 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 291 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2880 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 72 L |
