1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2006 Volvo S80
To start off, 2006 Volvo S80 is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Taurus 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 28 more horse power than 2006 Volvo S80. (207 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2006 Volvo S80. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 16 kg more than 2006 Volvo S80. 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, 2006 Volvo S80 (320 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2006 Volvo S80 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus. 1996 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2006 Volvo S80 has manual transmission. 2006 Volvo S80 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 | 2006 Volvo S80 | |
| Make | Ford | Volvo |
| Model | Taurus | S80 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 2520 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 93.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2800 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
