1996 Ford Taurus vs. 1988 Honda Civic
To start off, 1996 Ford Taurus is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 121 more horse power than 1988 Honda Civic. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1988 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 592 kg more than 1988 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Taurus (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda Civic. (144 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1996 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda Civic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 1988 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Taurus | Civic |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 114 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 144 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 77.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1000 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
