1997 BMW 850 vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 BMW 850. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 BMW 850 would be higher. At 5,379 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 BMW 850 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (365 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 36 more horse power than 1997 BMW 850. (329 HP @ 4800 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1997 BMW 850. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 36 kg more than 1997 BMW 850. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Ford Taurus is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1997 BMW 850. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus 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, 1997 BMW 850 (490 Nm) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Taurus. (474 Nm). This means 1997 BMW 850 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 BMW 850 | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 850 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5379 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 12 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 329 HP | 365 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 490 Nm | 474 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1945 kg | 1981 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4790 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2868 mm |
