1996 BMW 325 vs. 2003 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2003 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 BMW 325. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 BMW 325 would be higher. At 2,967 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 BMW 325 (168 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 BMW 325 should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Taurus weights approximately 200 kg more than 1996 BMW 325.
Because 1996 BMW 325 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 BMW 325. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1996 BMW 325 (245 Nm @ 3950 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 325 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Taurus. 2003 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1996 BMW 325 has manual transmission. 1996 BMW 325 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 325 | 2003 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 325 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 168 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1385 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1860 mm |
