2008 BMW 523 vs. 2012 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2012 Ford Taurus is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 BMW 523. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW 523 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP) has 88 more horse power than 2008 BMW 523. (175 HP) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2008 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 541 kg more than 2008 BMW 523. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 BMW 523 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 2008 BMW 523. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Ford Taurus (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 107 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 BMW 523. (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 BMW 523. 2012 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW 523 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW 523 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | BMW | Ford |
| Model | 523 | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 263 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1280 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1500 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2840 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 72 L |
