2002 Ford Taurus vs. 2006 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2006 Ford Mustang is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 57 more horse power than 2002 Ford Taurus. (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mustang weights approximately 1379 kg more than 2002 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 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 2006 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2006 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Ford Taurus | 2006 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2933 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.3:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1477 kg | 2856 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3030 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 61 L |
