2008 Ford Taurus vs. 1990 Toyota MR2
To start off, 2008 Ford Taurus is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Toyota MR2. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Toyota MR2 would be higher. At 3,495 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Ford Taurus is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Ford Taurus (263 HP @ 6251 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1990 Toyota MR2. (135 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Ford Taurus should accelerate faster than 1990 Toyota MR2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1990 Toyota MR2 weights approximately 65 kg more than 2008 Ford Taurus.
Because 1990 Toyota MR2 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 1990 Toyota MR2. 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 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1990 Toyota MR2. (196 Nm @ 4400 RPM). This means 2008 Ford Taurus will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1990 Toyota MR2. 2008 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1990 Toyota MR2 has manual transmission. 1990 Toyota MR2 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 | 1990 Toyota MR2 | |
| Make | Ford | Toyota |
| Model | Taurus | MR2 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1990 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 3495 cc | 2164 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 263 HP | 135 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6251 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 338 Nm | 196 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4501 RPM | 4400 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 | 1110 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4190 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1900 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1570 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2870 mm | 2610 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 78 L | 70 L |
