1996 Ford Taurus vs. 1987 Porsche 959
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Porsche 959. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Porsche 959 would be higher. At 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1987 Porsche 959 (450 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 215 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 142 kg more than 1987 Porsche 959.
Because 1987 Porsche 959 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Porsche 959 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, 1987 Porsche 959 (500 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 188 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 1987 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus. 1996 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1987 Porsche 959 has manual transmission. 1987 Porsche 959 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 1987 Porsche 959 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Taurus | 959 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 2849 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 450 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 500 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 95.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 67 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.3:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1450 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2270 mm |
