2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1958 Porsche 356
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 50 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Porsche 356. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Porsche 356 would be higher. At 3,496 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1958 Porsche 356. (100 HP @ 6200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1958 Porsche 356. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Ford Taurus weights approximately 255 kg more than 1958 Porsche 356. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Porsche 356 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 1958 Porsche 356. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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 Ford Taurus (338 Nm @ 4501 RPM) has 217 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Porsche 356. (121 Nm @ 5200 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Porsche 356. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1958 Porsche 356 has manual transmission. 1958 Porsche 356 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Ford Taurus | 1958 Porsche 356 | |
| Make | Ford | Porsche |
| Model | Taurus | 356 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1958 |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 3496 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1110 kg | 855 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2110 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 52 L |
