2006 BMW 550 vs. 1985 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2006 BMW 550 is newer by 21 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Ford Taurus. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Ford Taurus would be higher. At 4,801 cc (8 cylinders), 2006 BMW 550 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 550 (360 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 1985 Ford Taurus. (139 HP @ 4800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1985 Ford Taurus.
Because 2006 BMW 550 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 BMW 550. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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 BMW 550 (488 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Ford Taurus. (217 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 550 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Ford Taurus.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 BMW 550 | 1985 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 550 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1985 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4801 cc | 2986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 360 HP | 139 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 488 Nm | 217 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 78.7 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4860 mm | 4910 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
