1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2009 BMW 530
To start off, 2009 BMW 530 is newer by 13 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, 2009 BMW 530 (268 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 33 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 530 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 530 weights approximately 13 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 2009 BMW 530 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 2009 BMW 530. 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, 2009 BMW 530 (320 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 8 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 530 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2009 BMW 530 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Taurus | 530 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 268 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4850 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
