1997 Chevrolet Cavalier vs. 2009 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (115 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier weights approximately 90 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2009 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 155 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier. (183 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier | 2009 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Cavalier | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2190 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 115 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6251 RPM |
| Torque | 183 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4501 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4600 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1570 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2870 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 57 L | 76 L |
