2005 Cadillac CTS vs. 1988 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2005 Cadillac CTS is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 5,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Cadillac CTS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Cadillac CTS (395 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 306 more horse power than 1988 Ford Taurus. (89 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Cadillac CTS should accelerate faster than 1988 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Cadillac CTS weights approximately 330 kg more than 1988 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Cadillac CTS 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 2005 Cadillac CTS. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 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, 2005 Cadillac CTS (536 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 359 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Ford Taurus. (177 Nm @ 2600 RPM). This means 2005 Cadillac CTS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Cadillac CTS | 1988 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Cadillac | Ford |
| Model | CTS | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5663 cc | 2513 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 395 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 536 Nm | 177 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 2600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4870 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2900 mm | 2700 mm |
