2001 Ford Taurus vs. 1987 Chevrolet Astro
To start off, 2001 Ford Taurus is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Chevrolet Astro. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Chevrolet Astro would be higher. At 4,293 cc (6 cylinders), 1987 Chevrolet Astro is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Ford Taurus (201 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 1987 Chevrolet Astro. (183 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1987 Chevrolet Astro. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1987 Chevrolet Astro weights approximately 390 kg more than 2001 Ford Taurus.
Because 1987 Chevrolet Astro is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2001 Ford Taurus. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1987 Chevrolet Astro 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, 1987 Chevrolet Astro (338 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Ford Taurus. (250 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1987 Chevrolet Astro will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Ford Taurus. 2001 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1987 Chevrolet Astro has manual transmission. 1987 Chevrolet Astro will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Ford Taurus | 1987 Chevrolet Astro | |
| Make | Ford | Chevrolet |
| Model | Taurus | Astro |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1987 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Minivan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2961 cc | 4293 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 250 Nm | 338 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 79.5 mm | 88.4 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 8 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1895 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2760 mm | 2830 mm |
