1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2008 Porsche Boxster
To start off, 2008 Porsche Boxster is newer by 12 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. In terms of performance, 2008 Porsche Boxster (291 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Porsche Boxster should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 237 kg more than 2008 Porsche Boxster.
Because 2008 Porsche Boxster is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2008 Porsche Boxster. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2008 Porsche Boxster (340 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Porsche Boxster will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2008 Porsche Boxster | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Taurus | Boxster |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | boxer |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 96 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 11.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1355 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2420 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 64 L |
