2008 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,000 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6250 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2008 Ford Mustang. (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 2008 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Taurus weights approximately 711 kg more than 2008 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Ford Mustang. (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Ford Mustang. 2012 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 2008 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2008 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang | 2012 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Ford | Ford |
| Model | Mustang | Taurus |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4000 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 210 HP | 263 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 6250 RPM |
| Torque | 325 Nm | 337 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 1821 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4770 mm | 5154 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1890 mm | 1935 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1542 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2868 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.1 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 72 L |
