1996 Ford Escort vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Escort. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Escort would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1996 Ford Escort. (112 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 851 kg more than 1996 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2011 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Escort. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 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, 2011 Ford Taurus (474 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 301 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Escort. (173 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Escort. 2011 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1996 Ford Escort has manual transmission. 1996 Ford Escort will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Escort | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Escort | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1988 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 112 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 173 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3750 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1130 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1710 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2510 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 72 L |
