1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2011 BMW 520
To start off, 2011 BMW 520 is newer by 15 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 53 more horse power than 2011 BMW 520. (182 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2011 BMW 520.
Because 2011 BMW 520 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 2011 BMW 520. 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, 2011 BMW 520 (380 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2011 BMW 520 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2011 BMW 520 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Taurus | 520 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 380 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4907 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1462 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2968 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 70 L |
