2008 BMW M3 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 M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,500 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW M3 (338 HP @ 7900 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2012 Ford Taurus. (263 HP @ 6250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2012 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 166 kg more than 2008 BMW M3.
Because 2008 BMW M3 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 M3. 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, 2008 BMW M3 (365 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 28 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Ford Taurus. (337 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Ford Taurus. 2012 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2008 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2008 BMW M3 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 M3 | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
Make | BMW | Ford |
Model | M3 | Taurus |
Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 3246 cc | 3500 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 338 HP | 263 HP |
Engine RPM | 7900 RPM | 6250 RPM |
Torque | 365 Nm | 337 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Front |
Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1655 kg | 1821 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5154 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1935 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1542 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2868 mm |
Fuel Consumption Highway | 10.2 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 72 L |