1997 BMW 850 vs. 1996 Ford Taurus
To start off, 1997 BMW 850 is newer by 1 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 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 BMW 850 (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 94 more horse power than 1996 Ford Taurus. (235 HP @ 6100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 BMW 850 should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 BMW 850 weights approximately 353 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 1997 BMW 850 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 1997 BMW 850. 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 178 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 1996 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.1 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1592 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2760 mm |
