1998 Nissan Sentra vs. 2011 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2011 Ford Taurus is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Nissan Sentra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Nissan Sentra would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 178 more horse power than 1998 Nissan Sentra. (85 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Nissan Sentra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Taurus weights approximately 861 kg more than 1998 Nissan Sentra. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2011 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Nissan Sentra. (118 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Nissan Sentra. 2011 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1998 Nissan Sentra has manual transmission. 1998 Nissan Sentra will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Nissan Sentra | 2011 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Nissan | Ford |
| Model | Sentra | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1390 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 85 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 118 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 960 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2440 mm | 2868 mm |
