1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 BMW X3
To start off, 2012 BMW X3 is newer by 16 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, 2012 BMW X3 (256 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW X3 weights approximately 283 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 2012 BMW X3 is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 BMW X3 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, 2012 BMW X3 (560 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 248 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 BMW X3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2012 BMW X3 | |
| Make | Ford | BMW |
| Model | Taurus | X3 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3392 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 235 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 560 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 84 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1875 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4648 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1881 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1675 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 67 L |
