1996 Ford Taurus vs. 2013 Toyota Tacoma
To start off, 2013 Toyota Tacoma is newer by 17 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), 2013 Toyota Tacoma is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2013 Toyota Tacoma. (233 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2013 Toyota Tacoma. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Toyota Tacoma weights approximately 281 kg more than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Because 2013 Toyota Tacoma 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 2013 Toyota Tacoma. 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, 2013 Toyota Tacoma (361 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2013 Toyota Tacoma will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Ford Taurus | 2013 Toyota Tacoma | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | Tacoma |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2013 |
| 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 | 233 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 312 Nm | 361 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 95 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1592 kg | 1873 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5040 mm | 5286 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1895 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1781 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 3246 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
