2002 Ford Mustang vs. 2009 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2009 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2002 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 130 more horse power than 2009 Ford Taurus. (260 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Ford Mustang weights approximately 516 kg more than 2009 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2002 Ford Mustang 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 2002 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 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, 2002 Ford Mustang (529 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Taurus. (249 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Taurus. 2009 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2002 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2002 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Mustang | 2009 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 3496 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 529 Nm | 249 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1482 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 5130 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 55 L |
