2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 158 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. (105 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 406 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri 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 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (337 Nm) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri. (260 Nm). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo Centauri | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Ford |
| Model | Centauri | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 105 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 260 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3690 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 990 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2410 mm | 2868 mm |
