1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder
To start off, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder 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 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (266 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Pathfinder weights approximately 416 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 Nissan Pathfinder 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 2012 Nissan Pathfinder. 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, 2012 Nissan Pathfinder (390 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 78 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan Pathfinder will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2012 Nissan Pathfinder | |
| Make | Ford | Nissan |
| Model | Taurus | Pathfinder |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | SUV |
| 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 | 266 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 390 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 2008 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 4884 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1829 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2850 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
