1996 Chevrolet Impala vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Chevrolet Impala. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Chevrolet Impala would be higher. At 5,733 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Chevrolet Impala is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. (256 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 131 kg more than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. 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 1996 Chevrolet Impala. 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 27 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Chevrolet Impala. (447 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Chevrolet Impala.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Chevrolet Impala | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Impala | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5733 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 256 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 447 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1850 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5090 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 87 L | 72 L |
