1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2007 Volkswagen Touareg
To start off, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is newer by 11 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 3,597 cc (6 cylinders), 2007 Volkswagen Touareg is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg (276 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Volkswagen Touareg weights approximately 658 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg 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, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg (360 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 48 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2007 Volkswagen Touareg will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2007 Volkswagen Touareg | |
| Make | Ford | Volkswagen |
| Model | Taurus | Touareg |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 3597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 276 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 360 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 89.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 2250 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2860 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 100 L |
