1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2008 Toyota Tundra
To start off, 2008 Toyota Tundra 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. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Toyota Tundra is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Toyota Tundra (236 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Toyota Tundra should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 260 kg more than 2008 Toyota Tundra.
Because 2008 Toyota Tundra 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 Toyota Tundra. 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 Toyota Tundra (361 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2008 Toyota Tundra will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2008 Toyota Tundra | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Tundra |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Pickup |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 236 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 3 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1332 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5340 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1930 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3230 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 100 L |
