2001 BMW 320 vs. 1996 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 5 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 3,392 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Ford Taurus (235 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Ford Taurus weights approximately 87 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 320 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 BMW 320. 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 18 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Taurus. (312 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1996 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 320 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 3392 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 235 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6100 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 312 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1592 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
