2004 Ford Taurus vs. 1998 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Ford Taurus (153 HP @ 4900 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Ford Taurus weights approximately 195 kg more than 1998 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 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 1998 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 1998 Ford Mustang (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (251 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1998 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Ford Taurus | 1998 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Taurus | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2967 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4900 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 251 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 6 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2580 mm |
