2006 Ford Five Hundred vs. 1997 Vector M12
To start off, 2006 Ford Five Hundred is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Vector M12. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Vector M12 would be higher. At 5,707 cc (12 cylinders), 1997 Vector M12 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Vector M12 (484 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 281 more horse power than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. (203 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Vector M12 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Five Hundred weights approximately 85 kg more than 1997 Vector M12.
Because 1997 Vector M12 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 1997 Vector M12. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Ford Five Hundred, 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, 1997 Vector M12 (576 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 295 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. (281 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Vector M12 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Five Hundred. 2006 Ford Five Hundred has automatic transmission and 1997 Vector M12 has manual transmission. 1997 Vector M12 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Ford Five Hundred will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Five Hundred | 1997 Vector M12 | |
| Make | Ford | Vector |
| Model | Five Hundred | M12 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2983 cc | 5707 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 203 HP | 484 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 281 Nm | 576 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1715 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5100 mm | 4790 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 2030 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1140 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2750 mm |
